24 Sep 2011

Two rescued after helicopter engine fails on West Coast

1:41 pm on 24 September 2011

Two people were rescued after making an emergency landing when the engine of their helicopter failed on the west coast of the South Island on Saturday.

Their emergency locator beacon was turned on at about 9.30am and they were found safe and uninjured in Karamea, on the edge of the Kahurangi National Park, at about 11am.

The Rescue Coordination Centre says this highlights the importance of emergency locator beacons.