BSAR search for missing snowboarders on Mount Bogong 13-15 July 2014

Two snowboarders failed to return home as expected from a trip to Mt Bogong on Saturday evening 12 July.  Police initiated a full BSAR call out of both north east and Melbourne members early Sunday morning.  BSAR members from the Birkenbeiner Nordic Ski Club at Mt Beauty quickly responded, climbing to Michell Hut where the men’s tent was situated, and commenced searching the debris below a recent avalanche site that had been located off the east side of the upper Eskdale Spur.

On Sunday evening a large team of Police Search and Rescue and additional BSAR members from Melbourne climbed to Michell hut and prepared for a large scale search effort.  Searching the avalanche debris located one victim on Monday morning.  On Monday evening all BSAR searchers were flown off Mt Bogong by Police helicopter.

Police Search and Rescue and BSAR searchers preparing at Michell Hut
Police Search and Rescue and BSAR searchers preparing at Michell Hut

The following day, Tuesday 15 July Police SAR located the second victim.  Another call was made on BSAR members from the Birkies Club to assist in the recovery operation down to Camp Creek Gap.

Bush Search and Rescue Victoria extends its sympathies to the family and friends of Martie Buckland and Daniel Kerr.

Searchers on the Eskdale Spur
Searchers on the Eskdale Spur
Above Michell Hut, Eskdale Spur
Above Michell Hut, Eskdale Spur
Bowl off Eskdale Spur in which the slab avalanche occurred
Snowy Creek and side gully  Mt Bogong
Snowy Creek and side gully Mt Bogong
Climbing out of Snowy Creek, Mt Bogong
Climbing out of Snowy Creek, Mt Bogong
Helicopter on Eskdale Spur, Mt Bogong
Helicopter on Eskdale Spur, Mt Bogong
BSAR members departing from the Eskdale Spur Mt Bogong
BSAR members departing from the Eskdale Spur Mt Bogong

                    Press photos:

BSAR Searchers, Border Mail newspaper
BSAR Searchers, Border Mail newspaper
BSAR searchers climbing Eskdale (Heraldsun)
BSAR searchers Eskdale Spur.  Source: Herald Sun
BSAR searchers on Eskdale Spur (Bordermail)
BSAR searchers on Eskdale Spur. Source: Border Mail

 External links

Last Updated on January 26, 2023