Ill tramper left behind by companions

An ill tramper was left by his companions in the Richmond Ranges near Nelson yesterday in a breach of common sense, police say.

The 24-year-old Nelson man became ill and began vomiting about two hours from Starveall Hut, Senior Sergeant John Maxwell, of Nelson police, said.

He called his parents who called emergency services, but the rest of the eight-strong tramping party continued on their journey, leaving the man by himself.

The man was taken to Nelson Hospital by helicopter and treated for dehydration, Mr Maxwell said.

At least one of the other trampers should have stayed with the man, he said.

"There's far more chance of people surviving in groups of two or more than on their own," he said.

- NZPA