Beacon leads rescue helicopter to injured tramper

A tramper with a dislocated shoulder was rescued this morning from Scone Hut, inland from Whataroa in Westland.

Rescue Coordination Centre received initial alerts from a distress beacon late yesterday. A helicopter from Mount Cook searched the general area for a beacon signal but was unable to finish the search because of failing daylight.

The Solid Energy Rescue helicopter at Greymouth was contacted, but due to weather was unable to fly last night.

The rescue helicopter was launched at first light this morning and following a very weak beacon signal was able to find two trampers, one of whom had an injured shoulder.

Both were taken to Whataroa.

- NZPA