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DPA
Wellington
Two young hikers missing in remote bush in New Zealand have been found alive and well after 18 days.
Dion Reynolds and Jessica O’Connor, both aged 23, went tramping in Kahurangi National Park at the top of the country’s South Island, on May 9.
After they failed to return from the hike as expected, police and volunteers launched a search for the pair on May 19.
They were found on Wednesday after helicopter crews spotted smoke from a fire the pair had made in a makeshift campground.
Police area commander Paul Borrell said the pair were in good physical condition considering their ordeal.
“This is a fantastic outcome and one that we were all hoping for, although we were becoming increasingly concerned as the days progressed.”
Police said initial indications were that the pair had become lost within the first few days of their hike due to fog.
They elected to stay put, and had apparently run out of their food supplies some time prior to being spotted by the helicopter.
Searchers were pulled from the area after heavy rain on Monday, but efforts resumed at first light on Wednesday.
Police said six teams were flown into the search area by the New Zealand Defence Force.
Wellington
Two young hikers missing in remote bush in New Zealand have been found alive and well after 18 days.
Dion Reynolds and Jessica O’Connor, both aged 23, went tramping in Kahurangi National Park at the top of the country’s South Island, on May 9.
After they failed to return from the hike as expected, police and volunteers launched a search for the pair on May 19.
They were found on Wednesday after helicopter crews spotted smoke from a fire the pair had made in a makeshift campground.
Police area commander Paul Borrell said the pair were in good physical condition considering their ordeal.
“This is a fantastic outcome and one that we were all hoping for, although we were becoming increasingly concerned as the days progressed.”
Police said initial indications were that the pair had become lost within the first few days of their hike due to fog.
They elected to stay put, and had apparently run out of their food supplies some time prior to being spotted by the helicopter.
Searchers were pulled from the area after heavy rain on Monday, but efforts resumed at first light on Wednesday.
Police said six teams were flown into the search area by the New Zealand Defence Force.
