Multi-agency rescue operation airlifts 11 stranded hikers from Morton National Park after severe weather

A severe weather incident has triggered a multi-agency rescue operation after a group of hikers became stranded, with one person treated for hypothermia.

Eleven hikers have been rescued from Morton National Park in the southern NSW following a multi-agency operation triggered by severe weather and challenging terrain.

Around 9:40am on April 23, authorities were alerted after an emergency beacon was activated at Flying Fox Gully, just northwest of Ulladulla.

The alert was received via the Joint Coordination Centre in Canberra, prompting officers to launch a rescue operation.

The group, which included three adults — a 27-year-old woman and two men aged 32 and 43 — and eight teenagers aged between 14 and 17, became disoriented during an organised hike due to heavy rain and fog.

Despite being well-equipped and having adequate provisions, the hikers were unable to self-extract from the area.

Two of the rescued hikers. Picture: NSW Police

Flying Fox Gully inside the Morton National Park approximately 28km north west north from Ulladulla. Picture: NSW Police

With worsening weather conditions, emergency crews made the decision for the group to remain at their location overnight while a NSW Ambulance paramedic was airlifted in to treat one individual suffering from hypothermia.

A command post was established at Yadboro Flat Campground, co-ordinating efforts between Police Rescue, general duties officers, NSW Ambulance, and the State Emergency Service.

By 9:30am the next day, a co-ordinated airlift began with Polair and NSW Ambulance crews winching all 11 hikers from the remote site resulted in all members of the party being rescued 12:30pm.

One 14-year-old girl was treated at the scene for mild hypothermia but did not require hospitalisation.

Authorities have confirmed the hikers were part of an organised group that had been properly prepared but became stranded due to the severe weather conditions.
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Originally published as Multi-agency rescue operation airlifts 11 stranded hikers from Morton National Park after severe weather