‘Ask for help’: Adventurers warned after triple Queensland tragedies
Tourists and visitors to Queensland’s popular Glass House Mountains are being encouraged to “stay safe” in the wake of triple tragedies in the region.
Rescue authorities and an experienced climber are urging tourists and visitors to Queensland’s popular Glass House Mountains to “stay safe” in the wake of triple tragedies in the area.
Queensland Fire and Rescue saying they expected more callouts during the cooler months.
In March, Jack Thatcher and Lorielle Russell, who were both aged 18 and from Brisbane, died after they fell while descending Mount Beerwah following rain.
Two and a half weeks later, a woman was found dead at the base of Mount Tibrogargan following reports someone had been heard calling for help.
In a post to the Save our Summits Facebook page, climber Andrew Flanagan warned the peaks were not for beginners.
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“Stay safe on peaks like Beerwah or Tibro,” the post began.
“Be very confident on an easy peak like Mt Cooroora not using the chain and staying on rock where there are no steel steps.
“Tibs and Beerwah are multiples more difficult than Cooroora.”
The peaks required climbers to ascend steep, complex terrain, he warned.
“There is no safety infrastructure like steps or railings, it’s all natural so some rock climbing experience helps a lot.”
Flanagan also urged climbers to consider weather conditions.
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“Do not climb if chance of rain, the rock is very slippery when wet.”
“If you get stuck wait and ask for help, an experienced climber will eventually be along to help. Do not panic and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Get comfortable and wait. I have helped dozens who have got in way past their comfort zone (to) get down.”
According to Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR), there have been more than 70 incidents across the southeast where hikers or climbers have required rescuing or assistance in the past year.
The rescues can be extremely complex, requiring highly trained specialist firefighters to utilise climbing and vertical rescue skills to reach people in some of Queensland’s most difficult mountain terrain, QFR said in a statement.
And they expected to respond to more incidents.
“We often see an increase in callouts during the cooler months when people are spending more time exploring local mountains and trails,” acting inspector Scott Daly said.
He said a range of issues could come into play, and there were a number of considerations climbers should make before ascending the mountains.
“Every job is different, we can be called to assist hikers and climbers who are underprepared or exceed their capability, people who are lost or walkers injured due to a fall.
“Simple steps like checking the weather, carrying adequate water and letting someone know your plans can make all the difference.”
Flanagan agreed.
“Always carry water, phone, whistle, snack, torch in a back pack,” he wrote.
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