Helicopter plucks scouts to safety

A group of teenagers had to be helicoptered to safety after heavy rain hemmed them in the bush on the West Coast last night.

Police said the group of 10 scouts, aged between 15 and 17, were on a four-day tramp through to Windy Point near Lewis Pass yesterday when they became trapped in the Tauramakau River area.

Heavy rain prevented them from reaching the first hut, forcing them to attempt to walk back to the road.

The group got as far as the swollen Pfeifer Creek, waited in vain in the open overnight for it to drop, but were eventually forced to radio for help, police said.

The West Coast Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter was sent to the area and located the group at about 11.30am and ferried the group out in three trips, with some scouts suffering from mild hypothermia.

Police said the weather meant the tramp should have been called off but praised the actions of the teens once they realised they were in trouble.

- © Fairfax NZ News