Late on Friday 28th April 2002, two abseilers found skeletal remains below the lookout on the eastern side of Tomaree Head. As it was late by the time they had reported the find to local Police, it was decided to wait until the following day to recover the remains.
Next morning at 0752, a crew from 402 Station was responded to a briefing at the local Police station with Police Duty Officer, local Police, Police Rescue, National Parks and the two abseilers. The approximate loacation was identified and the team relocated to the Tomaree Head lookout. Local Police had closed public access to the walking tracks before daybreak.
Vehicle access to the site was limited and the closest access point could only be reached using a small 4WD, equipment still had to be carried to the top lookout. With this in mind it was decided to transfer 402 Stations vertical access packs, radios and water to a members 4WD. While this was been done, another member went with the Police Rescue officer in his rescue truck, followed by the two abseilers in their vehicle to Tomaree Head.
Equipment was transferred to the summit and a top belay setup. The recovery was carreid out by the
Police Rescue officer and firefighter after the remains were located some ninety metres below the summit
and still about one hundred metres above sea level. The remains were placed into a bag and winched out
by Police helicopter while the two recovery personnel ascended the rescue lines.
The recovery operation took seven hours and allowed 402 Station to work directly with Police Rescue
and Air Wing.