General News
28 August, 2024
A coordinated effort by six VicSES units led to rescue of three climbers
Six SES Units carry out high angle rescue at Mt Arapiles
A multi-unit VICSES team worked together on August 21 to lead the rescue of three assailers at Mount Arapiles.
"This is a terrific example of our units and partner agencies working together to keep our fellow community members safe," Acting Controller for the Stawell Unit John Hooper said.
The rescue took several hours and was the work of six units from around the Wimmera who were united in the rescue.
"The climbing group was stuck on twisted ropes at 100 meters high and needed assistance to return to solid ground," Mr Hooper said.
The six SES teams performed high angle rescue support to safely recover the group with no significant injuries reported.
State Emergency Service Units from Stawell, Ararat, Horsham, Dimboola, Nhill and Edenhope attended the rescue at the popular climbing spot near Natimuk.
In addition to the SES Units attending CFA Natimuk and Hamilton assisted with high angle operations.
Fire Rescue from Ballarat assisted with operations.
Victorian Police and Ambulance attended the incident.
Each high angle rescue requires at least six to seven people plus more to operate equipment, carry the equipment to the site and more to operate communications.
Operations Officer for Emergency Management Wimmera Jordan Bush said, " I want to acknowledge all of the emergency services who attended this operation which resulted in a safe outcome for the climbers.
"A lot of resources are required for such a rescue and we had a combination of emergency services involved," he said.
Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is a volunteer-based organisation, providing emergency assistance to minimise the impact of emergencies and strengthen the community's capacity to plan, respond and recover, when emergencies occur.
A spokesperson for the Victorian SES said an increase in high angle rescues recently, with three in the past eight week, was a timely reminder to climbers to be prepared, use caution and check all safety measures before climbing.