Major update on the two tourists found frozen to death in remote bushland – as authorities issue urgent warning
Two foreign hikers found frozen to death near Victoria’s highest peak a week ago have been identified as Chinese nationals, prompting a safety warning from authorities.
The women, who were aged in their 20s and 30s, were discovered by two hiking doctors around 1pm on October 3, near Cleve Cole Hut, a remote shelter popular with adventurers heading to Mount Bogong.
Despite being close to the hut, the pair were found huddled together and exposed on an open plain at Lendenfeld Point, with no protection from the severe weather.
The Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne has since confirmed to Xinhua News Agency that the women were Chinese nationals.
It comes after another Chinese national died while hiking in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain National Park last month.
The latest tragedy has prompted the consulate to issue a warning for Chinese nationals travelling to Australia.
‘Recently, in the consular district of our Consulate, which includes Victoria and Tasmania, tragic accidents have occurred in which Chinese citizens lost their lives while hiking or mountain climbing outdoors,’ a translated statement read.
‘These incidents were caused by sudden extreme weather and a lack of necessary survival equipment. We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate deaths of these Chinese citizens.
Two foreign hikers found frozen to death near Victoria’s highest peak a week ago have been identified as Chinese nationals. Pictured is the recovery operation
The bodies of the two hikers discovered by two hiking doctors last Friday near Cleve Cole Hut (pictured)
‘The Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne once again solemnly reminds Chinese citizens in the consular district that safety must be the top priority when traveling abroad.
‘Please do not blindly follow trends or engage in high-risk activities that exceed your personal capabilities, in order to avoid unnecessary safety risks.’
More to come.
