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87-Year-Old Found Safe After Night Lost in WA Bush

Officials say preparation outweighed technology in the dense forest.

Overview

  • The 87-year-old bushwalker, reported missing Friday evening near Nannup, was found around 1pm Saturday after an overnight search.
  • Thick tree cover and weak mobile reception hid her from the police helicopter, though she later reached rescuers by phone and described her location.
  • Local police, DFES, SES and community volunteers mounted a coordinated ground push, cutting tracks with chainsaws to reach her in the Donnelly River area.
  • Paramedics treated her for dehydration and released her from further concern, with police crediting extra water, warm clothing and a small food supply that included raisins.
  • Authorities praised the Nannup community and urged walkers to share plans and carry spare food, water and warm layers, noting sparse mobile towers in regional WA can slow rescues.