I just heard on News Radio this morning that two German tourists were rescued in the Kimberley.  Luckily, all they suffered was some minor sunburn, but it could have been worse. Much worse in fact.

Recall the story of Kim Hardt, who in 2002 was found bogged down on the Canning Stock Route with a packet of biscuits, 10 litres of beer and no water.  Luckily, he also survived.

Not so lucky were Bradley John Richards, 40, and his nephew Mac Bevan Cody, 21.  Their bodies, and that of their dog, were found with their broken down vehicle on the Canning Stock Route. They were just 9 km’s from a water bore, but did not know it.

The Age shows a list of people who have died and have gone missing in Austrlian deserts since 1986:

• Late 1986 Jackaroos James Annetts, 16, of NSW, and Simon Amos, 17, of SA, disappear in Great Sandy Desert. Remains found four months later a few kilometres from their vehicle.
• August 23, 1999 Robert Bogucki, 33, a firefighter from Alaska, rescued after roaming Great Sandy Desert for 42 days on a “spiritual quest”. Found 180 kilometres south-east of Broome.May 11, 2000 Missing born-again Christian Edward Furtak, 43, drives into remote settlement on the Nullarbor. Left Sydney six months earlier in a 30-year-old truck. Denies he was lost.
• October 21, 2002 German tourist Kim Hardt, 36, is stranded for three days after becoming bogged in a hired 4WD along the Canning Stock Route, about 400 kilometres east of Newman. Said he heard about the route on German TV.
• May 28, 2003 Sydney nurse Patricia Gerondis, 37, rescued after being stranded in the Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, in the north-west, for three days. She text-messaged her brother.
• April 8, 2005 Bodies of a 40-year-old man and his nephew, 21, found on track near the Canning Stock Route on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert after their 31-year-old vehicle breaks down.

The Age suggests what to do if you do come into strife in the desert: 

• Do not leave vehicle under any circumstances.
• Take two-way radio or satellite telephone. 
• Take detailed map with waterholes. 
• Take much more water than you think you will need. 
• If leaving main roads, let somebody know your route and ETA. 
• Do not try to cross flooded bridges or causeways unless absolutely sure of the water depth. 

 Go Australia provides more information about being prepared for the Australian outback: 

• Whether in desert or bush, arm yourself with up-to-date, preferably detailed maps showing water sources and nearest communities, have a compass or global positioning system, and emergency position indicator radio beacon (EPIRB).
• Always inform someone where you are going, what route you plan to take and when you expect to reach your destination.
• If you are traveling by road and expect to travel great distances, have your vehicle undergo comprehensive service before you leave.
• On long journeys, have two complete spare wheels, extra petrol, engine oil, fan belts, spare keys. Carry water in several containers.
• If your vehicle suffers a breakdown or gets bogged, the advice is to remain close to the vehicle as your vehicle would be easier to spot from the air in case of a search. Don’t set out for help unless you definitely know where you’re going and you know you can get there.
• Don’t rely on mobile phones to call for help. They may not receive a signal where you are.
• Unless you are well-skilled in finding your way, particularly with compass or global positioning system, keep to properly-marked tracks.
• If you are unfamiliar with the area, keep a safe distance from cliff edges.
• Be alert to danger from animals. For instance, in the northern parts of Australia, there may be danger from saltwater crocodiles.

Be sensible.  Enjoy Australia safely.

Doc Martin.

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