Vic: Search intensifies for missing paraglider

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2001
Vic: Search intensifies for missing paraglider

MELBOURNE, April 6 AAP - Emergency services will today intensify the search for a paraglider
who went missing on Wednesday in rugged bushland near Tawonga Gap in north-eastern Victoria.

Today's search will involve nearly 100 State Emergency Services (SES) personnel, 50
bushwalking club members, around 20 uniformed police and at least one helicopter, SES
spokesman Gavin Kelly said today.

The spokesman said nothing had been heard since yesterday from the man, a 36-year-old
New Zealander, and fears were increasing for his safety.

"It's very cold conditions and inhospitable country," Mr Kelly said.

The only contact with the man since the accident involved a series of clicks on a UHF
radio, which could have been damaged in the crash.

The man confirmed via radio that he had injuries, possibly including broken bones.

"It's hard to say whether he has facial injuries or damage to the radio," Mr Kelly said.

"It's only speculation at this stage."

The paraglider took off from Mystic Point, near Tawonga Gap, around 3pm Wednesday,
and friends raised the alarm after he failed to return that day.

A Rural Ambulance of Victoria spokeswoman said yesterday the air ambulance helicopter
had been called back to Latrobe in Melbourne. A senior paramedic has remained at Bright
ready to respond.

If the man is found ambulance authorities are likely to face the difficulty of accessing
the area.

Tawonga Gap is between Bright and Mt Beauty in Victoria's north-east.

AAP db/imc/mg5

KEYWORD: PARAGLIDER DAYLEAD

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