Mobile phone, GPS aid NZ rescue
A rescue helicopter plucked a man and his two sons from thick bush in NZ's Ruahine Ranges after they called for help via a mobile phone.
The man also carried hand-held Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) equipment and so was able to give a pin-point location.
Police search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Bill Nicholson said the man and his sons, 12 and 14, had gone into the ranges from east of Takapau in Hawkes Bay, to climb a track to the tops.
"They missed a junction and ended up bush-bashing for about four hours without finding the track," Mr Nicholson said.
He added one of the youngsters was suffering from an infected leg and the man himself was exhausted.
The mobile phone call and GPS co-ordinates made it easy for the Hawkes Bay Lowe Corporation helicopter which flew to the spot and winched the three to safety about 6.30pm.
Mr Nicholson said the man was flown to Hastings Hospital for assessment.
