A rescue operation is underway in the Cradle Mountain area for three walkers suffering from hypothermia.
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Inspector Shane LeFevre said about 3.30pm on Friday a distress signal was activated and a message advised of three people suffering from hypothermia on the Overland Track at Kitchen Hut.
"The three people are believed to be International visitors from India, aged 28, 37 and 45 years," Inspector LeFevre said.
"The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Challenger Jet aircraft, dedicated to search and rescue missions, was deployed from King Island and provided direct input into weather conditions around the mountain," he said.
"The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was activated and travelled to Cradle Mountain. Unfortunately, the weather conditions did not allow the helicopter access to Kitchen Hut and due to increasing inclement weather had to return to Hobart.
"A land based Search and Rescue party involving three police Search and Rescue personnel and two Ambulance Tasmania Wilderness Paramedics commenced travel from Dove Lake.
"At the time two Parks and Wildlife Rangers and other civilian walkers were with the three International walkers at Kitchen Hut and provided assistance until police and paramedics arrived at around 9pm.
"Hikers must pay close attention to weather forecasts and take appropriate precautions; prepare fully for the extreme walking conditions of Tasmania...even in summer; preferably carry an EPIRB at all times and if not prepared - delay their walk."
He said weather conditions were expected to improve and Western Search and Rescue would make additional attempts to enter the area tomorrow and extract the party of walkers.
"However, winds of 70km/h and heavy snow are expected overnight. Taking into account wind chill, temperatures are expected to drop to minus 7 degrees," he said.
Inspector LeFevre said he commended the actions of Parks and Wildlife Rangers and other civilians who reached Kitchen Hut and provided assistance to the walking party overnight.