Woman Survives 5 Days Stranded In Australian Outback With A Bottle Of Wine
After spending five days stranded in the Australian Outback with just some snacks and a bottle of wine, a woman was rescued by Victoria Police when her car got bogged in mud.
Gone Missing
The 48-year-old from Cheltenham in Melbourne had gone on vacation to Bright, Victoria, but when she didn't check in with her family on April 30, they became worried.
Despite extensive searches by emergency services, the woman could not be located. However, on May 5, a police helicopter spotted her car at the end of a dirt road, and a police van was guided to her location.
The Rescue
She had used her common sense and stayed with her vehicle when she realized she had taken a wrong turn and her phone had no signal.
"She used great common sense to stay with her car and not wander off into bushland, which assisted in police being able to find her," Wodonga Police Station Sergeant Martin Torpey said in a press release.
Despite being stranded in the wilderness, the woman was able to stay warm throughout the night by utilizing her car's heater. She felt immense relief and gratitude when she was finally rescued after spending five days lost.
"After being lost in the bush for five days, she was extremely relieved and grateful to see us and we were just as happy to see her," Torpey continued.
Hospital Visit
Upon arriving at the hospital, she was treated for dehydration and given medical observation. She had only packed a few snacks and sweets for her short trip and lacked water. However, she did have a bottle of wine she intended to give as a gift to her mother, which was the only liquid she consumed while lost.
"She was only planning a short-day trip so had only taken a couple of snacks and lollies with her but no water," Torpey continued, adding, "The only liquid Lillian, who doesn%u2019t drink, had with her was a bottle of wine she had bought as a gift for her mother so that got her through."
When asked about the wine's taste, she responded with, "My whole body shut down on Friday," she revealed to 9News, adding, "I'm an adventurous person, but next time I'll be better prepared.
Although she is an adventure-seeker at heart, she realized the importance of being better prepared for the next time.