Wed, Jan 10, 2024 1:00 PM
Rescue heli kept busy with 29 summer missions
The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter flew 29 missions over a 15-day period. Photo: File.
Kate Russell
It has been a busy summer for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter with 29 missions across Te Tauihu from 23 December until 7 January.
The team flew into holiday hotspots such as Ligar Bay, Marahua, Anakiwi, Takaka, Hector, Bainham, Kaiteriteri, and Okiwi Bay.
More remote areas such as Castle Rock Hut, Brown Hut, Hacket Creek, Crail Bay, Aniseed Valley, Mutton Cove, Hukere Creek/Cascade Track, Arthurs Bay, Torrent Bay, and Wairoa saw them utlising the winch and night vision goggles.
General manager Paula Muddle says there was a great outcome for a multi-agency rescue where a kayaker was saved thanks to him utilising a personal locator beacon.
“Many of these places don’t have mobile coverage and the crew encourages you to carry a personal locator beacon with you when you are on the tracks or out on the water as it makes it a lot easier for these agencies to help you.”
The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter finished 2023 with 437 missions flown, which is up from 405 in 2022.
Paula says the public is “loving” that their live tracking is back up and running, which can be found here.
The service is funded in part by the community for the community and remains a free service thanks to this support. If you would like to support this lifesaving service, please donate online.
Holiday Round-Up
Missions Completed: 29
Winch use: 4
Night Vision Goggles use: 5
Total Mission 2023: 437
