Helicopter bid to rescue sick woman fails

The Wellington Westpac rescue helicopter today failed in an attempt to reach a sick woman in the Tararua Ranges north of the capital.

Winds of over 40 knots (75 km/h) and low visibility prevented the helicopter from getting close enough to the patient and her rescue teams, a rescue spokesman said.

Tramper Louise Wilkinson, 49, was found yesterday just before 1.30pm on the southern crossing route between Otaki Forks and Kaitoke.

She had used her cellphone to text message for help on Tuesday after weather conditions deteriorated in the Tararuas.

The spokesman said eight more Wellington SAR personnel, including volunteers and police, were about to be flown into the area carrying additional supplies, including food, dry sleeping bags and other provisions.

- NZPA