Teen had signs of hypothermia

Police say a drunk teenager showing early signs of hypothermia was ‘‘lucky'' to have been found near Glenorchy at the weekend.

Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, said the 17-year-old wandered away from friends in the bush on Friday night and called police when he realised he was lost.

Police sounded their car sirens while he remained on the phone indicating when they were getting closer.

Police were unable to provide details of exactly where he was when he was found, or what time the incident took place, but St John communications adviser Ian Henderson confirmed St John was called about 3am Saturday.

The teenager was taken by ambulance to Lakes District Hospital with moderate injuries.

Police did not know why the group were in the bush drinking, but Sgt Watt said the teenager was ‘‘very lucky'' as he was soaking wet, showing early signs of hypothermia and only had 1% battery life left on his cellphone.

 ●A 33-year-old local male was caught allegedly drink-driving on a zero alcohol limit licence on Sunday.

The man was stopped at random by police in Shotover Country and his breath alcohol reading was allegedly 400mcg. Acting Snr Sgt Watt said the man was on a zero alcohol limit licence because of previous drink-driving charges.

The man opted to have a blood sample taken and police were awaiting the result.

 - by Mandy Cooper 

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