Celt Down Under Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 One man is dead and another is recovering in hospital after their four-wheel-drive broke down near the Simpson Desert in south-western Queensland. Police say two men left Ethabuka Station on Monday morning in a four-wheel-drive and got bogged about 16 kilometres from the house. The men were working on a bore near the station. is a property that covers 200,000 hectares in the north-east corner of the Simpson Desert, near Bedourie. After several failed attempts to free the vehicle, the pair decided to walk back. Police say they tried to walk back and did not have enough water in temperatures that reached 45 degrees Celsius. Mauritz Pieterse, 25, collapsed along the way, with his 30-year-old colleague rescued, suffering from extreme dehydration and heat exhaustion. Police say Mr Pieterse's body was found several kilometres from the station. The man who survived the ordeal is recovering in Mount Isa hospital. Police Inspector Paul Biggin says even people who are familiar with the outback can be susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration. "The second man who was with him was fortunately discovered by the neighbouring property," he said. "He was taken back to the station and was airlifted out. "When they were found, they had insufficient water supplies with them and obviously dehydration crept in very quickly." Ethabuka Station is owned by conservation group Bush Heritage Australia (BHA) and is about 100 kilometres from the Northern Territory border. Station spokesman David Whitelaw says authorities are still trying to work out what happened. Mr Whitelaw says Mr Pieterse had been working on the reserve for a year. "It is something that we treat very seriously - safety is of significant importance," he said. "The incident itself is subject to a police investigation, so that information is still being worked through. "Our staff are trained and are provided the necessary equipment to operate out in the field." Mr Whitelaw says BHA are offering support to Mr Pieterse's family and staff. "It is a terribly tragic event and it is sad time for everyone that knew Mo," he said. "We yesterday offered our sympathy to Mo's family and ongoing support. "We are grieving at the moment and our support and deep sympathy has gone out to the family. "Mo was a loved member of the Bush Heritage family - he was very passionate and dedicated to his work and we will sorely miss him." Inspector Biggin says a report will be prepared for the coroner. He says the tragedy highlights the need to travel in remote areas with enough water and proper communication. "Police have been in contact with the Work Place Health and Safety managers who look at incidents and deaths on property, so that will certainly be looked at," he said. "From it it would appear on the circumstances there have been a number of mistakes made and as I said unfortunately one young man has lost his life. "Obviously with the temperatures that Mount Isa and our district has had, certainly a warning that if you are out and about - regardless of whether you are working or travelling - make sure you stock up on plenty of water and have communications. "Everyone is suscepitble to those high range temperatures that we have in summer." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 He ignored all of the basics of working in the desert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Les Patterson Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 He ignored all of the basics of working in the desert Sure did Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Ropey HOFF Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 I saw a programme about this once, it seems it happens regular, people breaking down and not being able to contact anyone and not having provisions to stay alive until they are found. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 He did ignore alot of the rules, but the article i was reading said dehydration mixed with fear can make you do silly things. It also stated all emploees are given an outback safety kit but for some reason this vehicle didnt seem to be carrying one. So tragic for all involved, but credit to their rescuer who didnt give up looking until he found them,hence, managing to save the other guys life. Cal x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 I am not going to point blame. But, there are bisic rules for in the outback. 1. Carry a sat phone and make sure it is charged. 2. Have a UHF and VHF radio. 3. Have enough water for 10 ltr per day for 3 days. Carry a basic survival kit with things like signal mirrors, matches, para chord. remember you are in environment that can is hostile and do not take things for granted. Most of all, do a desert survival course and a off road driving course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 And take an Epirb! A Distress Radio Beacon for those who don't know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 I am not going to point blame. But, there are bisic rules for in the outback. 1. Carry a sat phone and make sure it is charged. 2. Have a UHF and VHF radio. 3. Have enough water for 10 ltr per day for 3 days. Carry a basic survival kit with things like signal mirrors, matches, para chord. remember you are in environment that can is hostile and do not take things for granted. Most of all, do a desert survival course and a off road driving course. That's very true but when you live there you tend to get complacent and think it won't happen to you. When we were driving the outback a month back we were on a lonely stretch of unsealed road, there was a car that had hit a tree and obviously caught on fire which had then caused damage to the field, fence etc. It makes you realise if you have a serious accident like that there isn't anyone around to help. We do have a sat phone but it's always packed in the back, if we rolled we wouldn't have chance if getting it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdizzle Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Apart from all the things mentioned you need to tell someone where you are going, what route you are taking and when you expect to arrive. Its a dull but simple method when all technology fails you which it can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 There was a programme on the other week (i shouldnt be alive) where a guy had taken his daughter on a camping / fishing trip. He had everything 3 x spare tyres, water ,food etc ,, unfortunately after a bad tearm of events his truck caught fire and whilst trying to get his daughter out ,he lost everything except for an outer tent cover. They were in the middle of no where and so lucky to eventually be found.It certainly makes you think,, Cal x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.