The bodies of two experienced prospectors have been found in a north Queensland goldfield.
A massive search was launched for Garry Edser, 65, and Kristine Starr, 69, after they failed to return to the Croydon Caravan Park, 500 kilometres west of Cairns.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reports the bodies were found by a search-and-rescue team less than three kilometres from their car. They had been prospecting at Esmerelda Station, and it is believed they had become lost while trying to get back to their vehicle.
It is understood the caravan park initially alerted police when the couple failed to return. Concerns grew after the pair’s personal possessions, including mobile phones, was spotted inside their Toyota Hilux.
Many grey nomads enjoy prospecting as they travel. PIC: Cosmin Gavris / Pexels
The Bulletin reports that a massive search was launched, including general duties officers on horseback and motorbikes, officers from the Stock Squad and State Emergency Services volunteers.
The Rescue 510 helicopter searched from the air and local mustering helicopters volunteered to help.
A mustering helicopter is believed to have spotted the pair late on Wednesday afternoon.
“Police conducted an extensive land and air search over the remote area which sadly resulted in locating the pair deceased,” Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Winfried Weiss said.
According to the Bulletin, it is believed Mr Edser and Ms Starr followed the wrong gully while trying to return to their car and became lost.
Croydon has a dry season that lasts from April to November, with temperatures reaching into the high 30s earlier this week.
The caravan park posted about the tragic discovery on their social media account.
“So sad to hear the news – two of our regular guests were found deceased this afternoon,” the post said. “Our condolences go to family, friends and loved ones,”
The Bulletin reports that business records show Mr Edser and Ms Starr jointly own a Toowoomba-based company called Finrank that offered mapping, geological and data analysis services, as well as mineral identification services.
The double tragedy is a reminder to prospectors, bushwalkers and everyone who ventures into the Outback of the potential perils that exist, and the need for extreme caution.
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When walking through desserty terrain with no landmarks or reference points always ‘drag a chain’ to mark your path for your return. A short length of chain attached by a cord to your belt/waist leaves an easy to follow mark in the sandy terrain.
What if the wind comes up or it rains!!! Buy an emergency locator beacon instead!
dead right+ good hand held ufh radio+ torch + mirror
a plb and hand held gps is such a cheap pair of safety devices
So sad to lose people when it should have been a preventable tragedy. Most phones are equipped with GPS and can be used for direction finding, even if out of range of phone towers. On this occasion the phones were apparently left in the car.
See my post! Cannot fathom how this happened with such experienced people!
NEVER GET LOST-Use Iphone or Google Maps App even WITHOUT WiFi!
Just read the sad story about the Qld couple dying of thirst because they couldn’t find their way back to their car which was only 2.5kms away from where they died.
I don’t think everyone has noticed that Iphone Maps App (as well as Google Maps) show your exact location anywhere with a blue dot using satellite even WITHOUT WiFi- or a Cellular Network . You can zoom right in. Try it. Remember to mark or track your position when travelling or exploring in unfamiliar territory. There are other tracking methods. Use also EPIRB! See FBook post
Yes in the Vast Dry Brown Land we call Home it can be a Dangerous, place to simply just go off and Roam with out being very Cautious and having a very good knowledge of the Country you are venturing into and what with modern Technology one should only venture out into the Bush with a Satellite Phone this then may have saved their Lives,