An Outback motorcyclist who went missing while on his way to last weekend’s Birdsville races in far south-west Queensland has been found alive.
Police say 45-year-old South Australian man Michael Cronin became fatigued and disorientated while on his trip and was lucky to survive.
‘Had it not been for the efforts of locals, and Emergency Services the missing man would have died,’ police said.
The man had last been seen a full week ago near Warburton Crossing in the Simpson Desert. The alarm was raised when he failed to contact his family as had been expected. The rescued motorcyclist was described as an experienced bushman.
Nonetheless yet another near fatality in the South Australian Outback has prompted authorities to warn travellers again of the potential dangers of desert exploration and adventure.
Police, as well as the National Parks and Wildlife Service have warned travellers contemplating trips to remote areas that preparation and planning are vital before setting out. They say visitors in the Simpson Desert are required to have a Desert Parks Pass that provides information about what to take and emergency.
‘Motorists should travel as a group, have appropriate communications between vehicles/bikes such as UHF radio, plus either HF or a satellite phone, and an EPIRB (emergency positioning indicating radio beacon),’ said South Australian police spokesperson. “’Travellers to remote areas should provide a communications travel plan with relative or friend which would include regular check-ins, vehicle details, who is travelling, and a detailed itinerary.”
The police say travellers should carry vehicle spare parts including additional fuel, enough food and water for the trip, plus at least three to four days food and water supplies for emergencies.
‘Missing person searches by Police, Emergency Services and volunteers, involving aircraft and other resources are difficult in remote areas,” police said. “And they are both costly and time consuming.”
