Couple stranded for three days in 'challenging terrain' winched to safety by police

Thursday, 24 April 2025 13:30

A young couple has spent three days stranded in far north Queensland after their vehicle became bogged in dirt.

A young couple spent three days stranded in Far North Queensland after their ute became bogged in dirt.

The 21-year-old old man and 19-year-old woman found themselves stuck on the Cape Melville Track, more than 1500 kilometres from Brisbane, late last week.

Police attempted to search for the pair via road but nearby roads were closed and impassable due to wet weather.

A young couple has spent three days stranded in far north Queensland after their vehicle became bogged in dirt. The 21-year-old old man and 19-year-old woman found themselves stuck on the Cape Melville Track, more than 1500 kilometres from Brisbane, late last week.

The couple set up a makeshift camp as they waited for help to arrive.

A police helicopter rescued the pair, who were found with minor cuts and abrasions.

The couple was in an area with no clean drinking water and hundreds of kilometres away from shops, but the two luckily brought enough food and water.

Queensland Police has since released vision of the helicopter rescue.

Cape Melville National Park is closed each year from December 1 to July 31, as the roads are inaccessible for extended periods of time.

Queensland Police special constable Adam Tickner said the couple did the right thing by staying with their vehicle.

"It was fortunate that these people had enough food and water to last a few days, however this is very challenging terrain, especially during the wet season," Special Constable Tickner said.

"These roads are closed for a reason, and phone reception is limited.

"When travelling on the Cape, ensure you have a satellite phone or personal locator beacon, recovery gear, spare parts, first aid, and adequate food, water and fuel."

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