Camping couple spotted after being missing in WA Outback for a week

Published: October 9, 2024

A couple who had been missing for more than a week while camping in the WA Outback have been spotted from the air, and appear to be in good health.

Police say Ena Melville and Douglas Sims last made contact with their family on September 30, and had been due to return home on Sunday.

The pair, aged 62 and 68, had been camping in the Warburton area, more than 1700 kilometres away from their Margaret River homes.

The Warburton area is reported to have experienced heavy rainfall recently and, amidst concerns for the travellers’ welfare, WA Police launched a search to find them.

9News report that Police Air Wing spotted the couple yesterday during a search of an area about 130 kilometres south of Warburton.

“They did not appear to be in distress or in need of assistance, however, this cannot be confirmed as officers were unable to communicate with them,” a police statement said. “Officers from Warburton Police are currently travelling towards the location to complete a welfare check.”

The couple had been travelling in a Grey Toyota Prado towing a small camper trailer.

WA Police have issued a list of tips for people travelling in a vehicle in the WA Outback. They are:

  • Always prepare a trip plan and make this plan known to a trusted person who is not travelling with you.
  • Do not deviate from this plan without advising that person of any changes.
  • Always advise that person when you have arrived at your planned destination. Many searches have been mounted for persons who had arrived at the planned destination but had forgotten to advise others.
  • Ensure your vehicle is in good working order and equipped with a roadworthy spare tyre, wheel jack and brace.
  • Consider purchasing or hiring a satellite phone as much of Western Australia is not serviced by standard mobile phone carriers.
  • Consider buying or hiring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) that is registered and GPS enabled, for further information on both purchasing and registering a PLB or EPIRB click on the following link (register your beacon). These can be hired from most camping shops around the State.
  • Pack a well-equipped first aid kit to deal with any emergency situation.
  • Allow for three litres of water per person, per day and allow for extra water for car breakdowns. Do not store all the water in one place in the vehicle but distribute it in smaller amounts throughout the load.
  • Pack enough car spares and extra fuel for the vehicle. There are sometimes hundreds of kilometres between service and petrol stations.
  • If travelling off-road, make sure you have accurate maps or an up-to-date off-road GPS navigator. Learn how to navigate using this device before setting out.
  • Try to travel in pairs or groups and if you become lost, remain with your vehicle. Your vehicle provides shade and is much easier to find in an aerial search. It also gives off a much greater infra-red signature.

# Have you ever found yourself in a situation in the Outback where you have felt yourself to be in danger? Do you travel with an emergency communication device? Comment below.


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