Four bushwalkers have been rescued following a multi-agency rescue operation at Berowra overnight.
About 9.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 12 March 2024), emergency services were called to Apple Tree Bay at Berowra, following reports four teenage boys – three aged 18 and a 19-year-old - had become lost while bushwalking within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. There were no reports of injuries.
A command post was established and officers attached to Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command entered bushland and made voice contact with the bushwalkers but were unable to access their location.
Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance and State Emergence Service (SES) personnel attended to assist.
About 11.50pm, two of the boys were walked out of the bush, while a NSW Ambulance Special Operations Team walked in to assess the remaining two boys.
About 8.50am today (Wednesday 13 March 2024), the remaining two boys were winched out by the TOLL helicopter and taken to a nearby wharf where they were assessed by paramedics and taken to Hornsby Hospital as a precaution.
Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command Detective Acting Inspector Jay Davidson said that it is always pleasing to locate bushwalkers safe and well, but it is also a timely reminder for bushwalkers to have an appropriate communication plan.
"No matter how experienced a bushwalker may be, it is imperative that they have with them all the relevant safety equipment including suitable clothing, food and water, said A/Insp Davidson.
"Another important aspect are communication devices. Whenever heading on a bushwalk, people should have a fully-charged mobile phone, along with additional charging devices. Taking a GPS enabled Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) will help rescuers should you find yourself in difficulty.
"It is also important to let someone know your intended route, what tracks you are taking and your estimated return time. If there is any change to the original plan, then tell someone," A/Insp Davidson said.
"Please ensure you register your trip with the appropriate agency, such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and think before you trek – know what the weather conditions will be like, know your physical abilities and make your bushwalk a safe one," A/Insp Davidson said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
