Locator beacon saves missing hunter

March 17, 2025 

A “well-prepared“ hunter has been successfully rescued on Stewart Island after activating a personal locator beacon.

Police were alerted about 9.40pm Sunday when a member of a hunting party failed to return to their hut in the Bosom Hunting Block, Port Adventure, by the expected time of 5pm.

After unsuccessful attempts to find the missing hunter, the group raised the alarm.

Southern Lakes Helicopters did an initial night search using night vision goggles and thermal imaging, but found no sign of the missing man.

A full-scale search was then launched involving Land Search and Rescue teams from Rakiura/Stewart Island and Southland, Southland Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) volunteers, and search dogs from Queenstown and Wanaka.

At 10.34am the following morning, the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) received a personal locator beacon activation.

Southern Lakes Helicopters responded, locating and winching the man, 74, to safety before reuniting him with his hunting party.

Sergeant Ian Martin of Southland Police Search and Rescue praised the rescue effort, saying, “This was a good example of the importance of taking a personal locator beacon when going on any outdoor adventure. Once activated, it led us directly to his location, ensuring a swift recovery.”