Satellite helps cave rescues in New Zealand

[NZcaver]

Satellite helps cave rescues

The Nelson Mail (New Zealand) 1 March 2010

A caver became lost in the Takaka Hill cave system on Saturday morning, but with the help of more than 100 search and rescue personnel from around Nelson and as far away as Western Australia, he was brought to the surface safe and sound. The national exercise, held every three years, was based around the scenario of a lost caver and tested the trained cave rescue specialists from Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR).

Wellington-based LandSAR volunteer Alan Thompson said the whole day had gone exactly to plan with the help of a satellite link that was used to communicate from the Takaka Hill back to the base in Motueka. "It opens up the power of the internet to search and rescue staff who are at remote locations in the field."

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