A group of travellers stranded in flooded bushland in Western Australia’s outback Goldfields have touched down in Kalgoorlie-Boulder after a successful rescue.
The group was located next to a bogged vehicle late on Wednesday in the remote Goldfields after a three-day search, amid some of the worst floods the region has seen in living memory.
The three elderly adults and four children were found about 220 kilometres south-west of the remote Aboriginal community of Tjuntjuntjara.
They had left Kalgoorlie-Boulder for Tjuntjuntjara on Sunday in two four-wheel-drives and abandoned one of the vehicles after becoming bogged.
A break in the weather allowed authorities to dispatch a rescue helicopter on Thursday morning.
They appeared in good spirits when they landed, and are set to undergo further medical assessment.
Goldfields-Esperance District Police Inspector Mick Kelly said it was happy news.
“It’s brilliant to bring theses people home, and to eventually be able to safely return them to their community,” he said.
“It’s devastating when people find themselves in a situation where they’re bogged.
“The remoteness, the lack of connectivity, the isolation; the amount of rain that’s fallen in that area is astronomical.”
“Due to the weather conditions and deteriorating light, a decision was made to use a helicopter service.
“They are now safe on the ground in Kalgoorlie.
“My understanding is that they’re well, but will need medical attention to be checked out.
“They’re looking forward to a hot meal and a good night’s sleep.”
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