A 38-year-old man has been found alive and well after being lost in the bush for almost two days, after the vehicle he was driving became bogged in the Northern Territory outback on Sunday.
Around 9:30am on Sunday 4 April the man and a female passenger were travelling on a dirt track close to the SA/NT border near Alpra Creek/Mulga Park Station when their vehicle became bogged.
The pair stayed with the vehicle until 7:30pm when the man decided to try and find help, leaving the female passenger with the vehicle.
Later that evening a passing motorist located the woman and notified NT Police that the man had left the vehicle in search of help.
Northern Territory Police launched an extensive land and air search of the area for the man, who was this morning located by police, alive and well near an outstation more than 35 kilometres away from the bogged vehicle.
The man, who was slightly dehydrated and tired, was flown to the nearest Health Clinic for assessment.
Northern Territory Police urge people travelling to remote parts of the Northern Territory to take the time to plan appropriately.
“This includes letting people know of your travel plans, checking road conditions, pack appropriate vehicle recovery equipment and adequate food, water and relevant medical supplies in the event of your vehicle becoming bogged or breaks down,” Supt Brett Prowse
“Recent wide spread rains have changed the landscape in the remote Northern Territory and in some areas – washed away tracks or made creeks impassable.”
“It’s a timely reminder that motorists need to check road conditions prior to all travel.”
“People travelling remote need to plan for the worst case scenario that is being self-sufficient for at least a couple of days.
“This means packing adequate water, food and medical supplies in the event of an emergency. Most importantly, if you find yourself in a situation where your car breaks down or is bogged, remain with your vehicle. Do not attempt to walk to raise the alarm using a mapping application on your phone. This is extremely dangerous and further complicates the efforts of police and emergency services trying to find you.”
