Tactical response group rescues missing Sandstone man in the Gascoyne after two days in bushland

An 80-year-old man missing for two days in near-freezing conditions in the remote Gascoyne was found alive and “in good spirits” — in a rescue police have described as “nothing short of a miracle”. The local man was taken to Geraldton Health Campus for treatment after an admirable police and community effort to track him down near Sandstone. After not returning home after work on Friday night, police were made aware of the missing man and sent officers from Geraldton and Mount Magnet and emergency services from around the district. Mid West-Gascoyne Police District Superintendent Steve Post said police sent a search specialist from Perth and three specialist trackers from the tactical response group. “My understanding is the man was found exhausted and dehydrated, but otherwise in good spirits,” he said. Supt Post said the man had driven to the northern border of his property and could not get to his destination by vehicle. The man decided to walk 14km and became lost in heavy bushland and could not find his ute. The man’s tracks were traced from the vehicle but lost further into the journey after he crossed into the heavily wooded ground. “The TRG followed the track from that location through the bush. They tracked him through the day (and into the night), normally we would suspend search efforts at night time,” Supt Post said. About 11.50pm on Saturday, Supt Post said the search crew stopped and slept overnight in their tracks with an overnight temperature of 3C and continued on at sunrise. “The 80-year-old man was found just before lunchtime on Sunday resting against a tree very grateful to see the officers,” he said. The man was located 160km south-west of Sandstone or 450km north of Kalgoorlie near Lake Barlee. Supt Post said the successful mission was “nothing short of a miracle” and if the TRG had not continued the search into the night there may have been a different outcome. “The chances of surviving any longer than when we found him is quite remote,” he said. “When he was found we organised for the RAC helicopter to pick him up and air(lift) him to hospital. “One of the lessons after this search is that people please stay with their vehicles.” Supt Post said the police force could not do this job without Penny Gold Mines’ assistance accommodating all searchers and providing food, water and transport. “We couldn’t have maintained this search and had the successful rescue without their assistance, it’s a great community effort.” The man’s family released a statement on Monday morning, thanking all involved in the search, including the TRG members and search coordinators who worked tirelessly to bring him home in “extreme conditions and a hostile environment”. “Their elite skills, extraordinary dedication and commitment made the difference between life and death. We would also like to thank the WA Police Force members and SES personnel who assisted with the search,” they said. “The combined efforts of all parties involved made it possible to deliver the best possible outcome.” The family asked for privacy as they recovered from the ordeal.