This is the classic example of how not to do it when it comes to tackling a Northern Territory river crossing.
The English tourists in this 4WD came a predictable cropper when they tried to drive through the Reynolds River Crossing yesterday afternoon without engaging the vehicle’s 4WD.
Even worse, the track in Litchfield National Park was closed to the public at the time they made the ill-fated manoeuvre.
The red-faced travellers walked 10 kilometres in the tropical afternoon heat before police found them.
The Outback novices had an EPIRB on them and had activated it to alert emergency services that they were in trouble before they began walking.
“We got them out of the bog, gave them a few 4WD tips and sent them on their way,” Duty Superintendent, Brendan Muldoon, told the NT News. “If they didn’t have an EPIRB there’s potential there for them in this tropical environment for dire outcomes … so it’s probably saved them a lot of heartache and possibly their lives.”
Police say it’s a timely reminder of the need to be prepared before heading out bush in the Top End.
* Have you ever made an embarrassing blunder while out on the Big Lap? Do you carry an emergency beacon? Comment below.
