Man Survives 40km Trek Through Mud After Car Becomes Bogged

A man in his 40s undertook a remarkable 40-kilometre trek through challenging muddy terrain after his vehicle became stuck in remote northwest Queensland. The man, who was stranded late on Sunday, was found by a LifeFlight rescue helicopter crew, who expressed astonishment at his endurance and determination.

The LifeFlight team, based approximately 500 kilometres from Mount Isa, initially faced difficulties locating the man. According to rescue pilot Andrew Caldwell, they first attempted to reach the coordinates where he was last reported. “Unfortunately, there was absolutely no sign of him,” Caldwell recounted. The area was deserted, and the roads were closed in both directions due to flooding.

After locating the man’s vehicle, which was bogged down about 140 kilometres south of Hughenden, the crew discovered that he had attempted to make a U-turn, ultimately getting stuck in thick mud. Caldwell described the conditions as “saturated,” with the black soil creating challenging walking conditions, ranging from ankle-deep to knee-deep mud.

While the crew searched for the man, they spotted footprints leading south along the track. “We could see these beautiful footprints just walking southbound,” Caldwell noted. The man appeared to have carried an additional two to three kilograms of mud on his feet during his arduous journey.

As the helicopter’s fuel reserves dwindled, the crew debated whether to continue. Their decision was bolstered when they spotted what appeared to be a star picket down the road. Upon closer inspection, they were elated to discover it was the individual they were searching for. “I think the crew was mainly gobsmacked that this gentleman achieved 38 kilometres walking through basically mud the whole way,” Caldwell said.

Despite his exhausting trek, the man was able to walk to the helicopter on his own. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment for dehydration. His incredible journey through the treacherous landscape serves as a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity.