Warning after gorge rescues

Tom Price emergency services are urging visitors to Karijini National Park to be cautious after a string of rescues in recent weeks. Police last Monday attended their third gorge rescue this year as an increased number of WA tourists flock to the natural Pilbara attraction because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. A 56-year-old woman was with her husband on their first day in the park when she slipped and fell 8m-12m at Handrail Pool about 11.30am. Police, SES, St John Ambulance and rangers were involved in the vertical rope lift and raised the woman to the surface of Weano Gorge at 4.20pm. Tom Price police officer-in-charge Sgt Nicole Mizen said the woman was lucky to avoid serious injury as Handrail Pool was a very dangerous location. “She just unfortunately slipped at the wrong spot just as the railing started,” she said. “Handrail Pool is one of the most dangerous spots. “You have to hold on to the handrail to then climb the rocks down. “It’s grade five, which is the highest of all the gorges. “Really, really tough spot.” Sgt Mizen reminded travellers to be careful as there had been an increase in rescues as more people were visiting the park than usual. “It’s more than usual. Just the volume of people going through with not having that travel,” she said. “We closed the park while the rescue was going on just so that you don’t have that risk of someone else being injured and not having the response available. “Just be prepared. It is a dangerous spot. Make sure you have appropriate footwear and clothing, you are carrying water and if you have children you go to the places where the stairs are there like Fortescue Falls.” “It’s beautiful but it’s dangerous.” Tom Price SES manager Kathryn Honeyfield said the park was very busy. “Be really careful, especially on the rocks, because they do become slippery. Stay hydrated because it is very hot out there at the moment,” she said.