Bush ordeal over for one sister

Press, 23 July 1980, Page 1

Bush ordeal over for one sister

PA Rotorua One of two sisters missing in the rugged Urewera forest for six days was last evening safe, but was suffering from exposure and frostbitten feet, while the search continued for her sister. Salina Apirana, aged 20,

was found by a search party at the headwaters of the Ruatahuna Stream, about 15km south-east of Ruatahuna. She was lifted out byhelicopter shortly before dusk and taken to the in* tensive-care ward of Rotorua HospitaL The medical superintendant of the hospital (Mr K.

F. Greene) said last night that Salina was in reasonably good condition, considering her ordeal. Her missing sister, Noti Apirana, aged 19, had not yet been found, but Salina Apirana was able to indicate to the searchers that she might be close by in the area. Searchers were continuing the hunt last night in

a bid to find her before she died from exposure. Forestry workers found Salina Apirana about 2 p.m.. barely conscious and unable to walk. A Taupo-based helicopter piloted by Mr J. Funnel lifted her out in deteriorating weather with a winch-sling normally used for lifting building materials.

He sped towards Rotorua with a doctor and the patient aboard, but because of bad weather had to land on a rugbv field at Murupara, about 65km south-east of Rotorua. Miss Apirana was transferred to an ambulance and taken to Rotorua Hospital. More than 100 . men

have been committed to the search since a fullscale search was mounted last Friday. Supplies of fresh food, milk, and army ration packs were ferried to the search headquarters at Ruatahuna yesterday in readiness for another full* scale search today.