A couple whose vehicle became heavily bogged while they were travelling in remote Outback WA have been rescued … thanks to their GPS-based personal locator beacon.
A 32-year-old man and a pregnant 27-year-old woman activated the device after getting stuck in the Gibson Desert, more than 300 kilometres northwest of Warburton.
The Canberra-based Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) picked up the signal about 11.30am on Friday, and an aerial search operation was launched. It involved private aircraft from Kalgoorlie and Broome as well as AMSA’s Challenger search and rescue plane.
The pair, who are from Darwin, were spotted from the air on Friday afternoon, having set up camp in rough terrain next to their bogged Toyota LandCruiser. An emergency kit, including a satellite phone, was dropped down to them.
Perth Now reports that the stranded pair was picked up by a long-range search and rescue helicopter and they were in good health. They still had food and water to last them for a day or two.
Western Australian Police said on Facebook that the rapid response was possible due to the fact the people were carrying a GPS-based PLB, which not only alerted them to the situation, but also told police where the stranded pair were.
“Their PLB was registered, which meant we were able to contact a family member and establish how many people were on the trip, which is extremely important in assessing the urgency of the situation,” said a spokesperson. “In this instance the pair had become stranded after their vehicle became heavily bogged.”
· Do you carry a PLB when in remote areas?
That’s a good and positive story…until the family gets the bill for the rescue! Anyway, good to know the system works and it’s a good outcome for the couple.
I”m not so sure they will get a bill for the rescue. Perhaps someone who knows for sure could reply…more importantly, is there anything that could have prevented them getting bogged or aided them to self extricate from the bog?
We have been caring a PLB around for the last 2 years on our full time travels. Luckily have not had to use it yet. Fully recommend especially in remote ares.