Four separate rescues involved an injured bushwalker, a yachtie and four kayakers in north of state

AN INJURED bushwalker, four kayakers, a yachtsman and the crew of another vessel have been rescued in four separate incidents in Northern Tasmania.

A Polish tourist who fell while walking on Cradle Mountain was rescued by helicopter and taken to the Launceston General Hospital. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

A BUSHWALKER who fell on a Cradle Mountain walking track was rescued by helicopter and taken to hospital in Launceston.

Police said the Polish tourist fell near Boulder Pass on the summit track about 1.30pm yesterday, sustaining a deep laceration to his forehead, and a lower left leg injury.

He was flown to Launceston Airport where a waiting ambulance took him to the Launceston General Hospital.

At the same time, police and Bridport Surf Life Saving Club members rescued a man whose yacht had capsized off the coast near Bridport. He was taken to shore just after 2pm.

Police were also called to help four kayakers stranded on the South Esk River in floodwaters near Longford.

With the help of a Launceston-based surf life saving crew, the kayakers were found about 1km downstream from Mill Dam Reserve and were returned to shore safe and well with their kayaks.

At 3.15pm police received a call that a vessel was in distress on the Tamar River because of a mechanical fault.

“That vessel was successfully towed to safety by a member of Tamar Sea Rescue at 3.45pm,” Detective Inspector Darren Hopkins said in a statement.

“Although there is no suggestion either of these incidents are as a result of poor preparation or lack of safety equipment, these rescues are a timely reminder that with summer approaching and traditionally more marine activities taking place, that members of the public make sure their vessels are mechanically sound and [carry] safety equipment.”

Originally published as Four separate rescues involved an injured bushwalker, a yachtie and four kayakers in north of state