Rescuers find man, 74, lost in bushland

A MAN, 74, has been rescued after going missing while bushwalking in the state’s remote southwest.

The man became separated from his wife at Moonlight Ridge, in the Southwest National Park’s Southern Ranges, on Saturday while trying to find an alternative campsite.

The wife called authorities about 7pm.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was sent in but could not reach the area because of low cloud.

A police search and rescue team was flown in and walked all night to reach the missing man’s wife. They were unable to locate the husband.

The helicopter returned at first light yesterday and located the man about a kilometre off track in thick vegetation.

The man was recovered by hover entry while his wife and the search team were winched from the ridge.

Police search and rescue’s Senior Constable Josh Peach said the Howrah man was cold, hungry and scratched from bushland but otherwise OK.

“Tasmania Police would like to remind people to never separate during a remote bush walk, always keep your overnight equipment with you, be mindful that mobile phone batteries quickly discharge in cold conditions, and to always carry a personal locator beacon,” he said.

The couple had already set up camp in the area. However, the man went looking for another site based on a grid reference from a guide book.