A dramatic overnight search and rescue operation unfolded on the east coast of Great Barrier Island Monday, after an 82-year-old man went missing during a kayaking trip.
Witnesses reported a helicopter hovering above Medlands, along the peninsula to Windy Hill/Rosalie Bay until the early hours of Monday morning.
A Police spokesperson stated, “Police were notified at around 7.40 pm last night that he had not returned home. A search of the shoreline and general area was conducted with the aid of the Police Eagle helicopter.”
The missing kayaker was found safe and well at around 12:45 am, in dense bush inland from Medlands Beach. Two Police Search and Rescue members were dropped off by the Eagle helicopter to stay with the man overnight.
“He was winched out to safety by the Westpac Rescue helicopter at around 7:00 am this morning and taken to the medical centre on Great Barrier Island for checks,” the Police spokesperson confirmed.
