A dramatic paraglider rescue operation unfolded at Mount Mittamatite near Corryong when emergency services successfully retrieved a woman trapped in a towering tree following an emergency landing. The incident, reported by The Sentinel Current highlighted the exceptional coordination between local police and specialized rescue units.
Emergency Response
The emergency unfolded around 3 PM on Monday, February 3, when the paraglider was forced to conduct an emergency landing, becoming entangled in a 10-meter tree. According to rescue protocols documented by the Australian Emergency Response Guidelines (emergencyresponse.gov.au), such situations require immediate specialized intervention.
Expert Team Deployment
The Victoria Police Search and Rescue (SAR) Squad, renowned for their vertical rescue expertise, was promptly dispatched from Melbourne. The Sentinel Current (thesentinelcurrent.co.uk) was on scene to document this remarkable rescue operation, which demonstrated the capabilities of our emergency services.
Challenging Terrain Navigation
Four SAR members faced the additional challenge of traversing approximately 300 meters of rugged terrain after being winched to a nearby location. This aspect of the rescue highlighted the importance of technical training in mountain rescue operations, as noted by the Mountain Safety Council..
Technical Rescue Execution
The rescue required precise technical expertise, with SAR members establishing a complex roping system to ensure the paraglider’s safe descent.
Successful Evacuation
The operation concluded successfully at approximately 8:40 PM, with the paraglider being safely winched aboard the helicopter. Remarkably, she required no medical treatment, testament to both her resilience and the rescuers’ skill.
