POLICE have encouraged people to be better prepared when off-road driving, following a Derwent Valley rescue at overnight. “Around 11.35pm yesterday (Sunday) police were notified that a group of people in two 4WDs had not returned as planned from a day trip along Jefferys Track, and they couldn’t be reached by mobile phone,” Senior Constable Callum Herbert said.
“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter and ground Search and Rescue parties were dispatched to the area. Due to poor weather conditions and cloud cover, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter ceased searching at around 1.30am,” Senior Constable Herbert said.
“Around 2.45am this morning, a ground search party located the missing group on the Pigs Pen Loop, off Jefferys Track. The two adults and six children (children aged between 6 and 15) were located safe and well but bogged. The search party assisted the group to walk safely from the area.”
“Police urge anyone planning on off-road driving to be extra cautious due to the unusual amount of rain in recent weeks. Poor weather conditions can mean that even 4WDs may become bogged on tracks that are normally driveable. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.”
Pictured: Recreational drivers on the Pigs Pen Loop, off Jefferys Track, in 2019. Not associated with this morning’s rescue.
