‘Could have been devastating’: What saved kayakers lost in extremely remote area

A group of men has been rescued from their kayaks after becoming stuck in an extremely remote area of NSW.

The six men were kayaking downstream the Shoalhaven River on Monday after entering from the Oallen Ford with plans to arrive at the Bungonia State Recreation Centre near the Bee Box track exit.

After the group failed to reach their pre-positioned vehicles, someone activated a personal locater beacon near Spa Rd Windellama about 1pm the same day, NSW Police said.

A large-scale search operation was launched, with crews from NSW Ambulance, police rescue and bomb disposal unit, Polair, TOLL helicopters and the SES on the scene, and officers taking up a post at the Windellama Hall.

The group was finally spotted at a remote location in a stepsided gorge. They were unable to go up or down the river and the location was not accessible by road.

The TOLL helicopter and ambulance crews were able to rescue four of the six men, aged 51, 59, 60 and 64.

They were taken back to the command post and treated for minor injuries and exposure.

The remaining two men were forced to camp with two critical care paramedics overnight as the conditions became too dark to continue the rescue operation.

The next day, about 10.50am, the 52-year-old and 26-year-old, were winched to safety and transported to Windellama, neither suffering any injuries.

Superintendent Linda Bradbury said the men may not have been rescued had they not used a personal location beacon.

“The group of kayakers had necessary equipment to support their trip and had notified friends of their plans,” she said.

“The location they found themselves in was extremely remote and had they not been carrying a personal locator beacon, the outcome could have been devastating.”

She reminded the public to check the weather conditions and are wearing suitable clothing before taking part in adventure sports – especially in remote locations.

“We thank all of the emergency service agencies for their contribution during the search and rescue operation,” she said.

“(We) remind anyone heading out to engage in adventure sports, that they check the conditions, make sure they are wearing suitable clothing and carrying sufficient supplies, check the weather conditions and most importantly carry a personal locator beacon – which in this case, was lifesaving.”