Hiker’s dog found after helicopter search
Wellington, April 1: A hiker on New Zealand’s South Island survived a fall from a 55-metre (180-foot) waterfall but had to be airlifted without her dog, a border collie named Molly.
The incident occurred on March 24 in the wild West Coast bush, where the hiker had gone to a rocky waterfall spot.
Molly went missing during the emergency evacuation, leaving the woman without her beloved pet for a week.
Determined to reunite the pair, helicopter pilot Matt Newton, owner of Precision Helicopters New Zealand, contacted the injured hiker in the hospital and organized a renewed search.
Newton had previously searched the area without success but decided not to give up.
He and his family launched a fundraiser to cover additional helicopter hours and advanced search equipment, including thermal imaging.
Strangers contributed over NZ$11,000 (US$6,300), allowing three more hours of aerial search. On Tuesday, Newton set out with a veterinary nurse, volunteer searchers, and a companion dog, Bingo, to find Molly.
Within about an hour, the team spotted Molly just a few metres from the area where the hiker had fallen. The helicopter dropped low so a volunteer with Bingo could coax the collie to safety.
Despite a week alone in the wilderness, Molly was calm, cooperative, and in surprisingly good condition. Newton speculated that she had survived by hunting small feral animals.
Molly was flown safely to the helicopter base, where volunteers celebrated with a barbecue and cuddles. Hours later, she was reunited with her injured owner in a tearful moment.
Newton noted that the reunion would likely help the woman recover faster, highlighting the importance of the bond between pet and owner.
The rescue underscores the resilience of both Molly and her owner, as well as the dedication of local rescuers and the generosity of the community.
Strangers’ donations made the search possible, while Newton’s determination and the use of advanced technology ensured the dog’s survival. The story became a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the power of collective effort in the face of wilderness challenges. (AP)
