Kinkuna National Park: family rescued in floods
Posted on 27-Jan-2012
As last light faded the AGL Action Rescue Helicopter undertook a dramatic rescue, winching two adults, a child and a baby from flood waters in the Kinkuna National Park.
The family of four and another adult had been driving through the park yesterday afternoon (Thursday) and were on the south side of Theodolite Creek when the sand track they were on flooded. As their 4WD filled with water the five occupants escaped to a nearby bank and despite poor mobile coverage were able to give police enough information to request urgent help. They lost phone contact shortly after.
The Woodgate SES was activated but due to flooding throughout the park were unable to assist.
Just before 6pm the AGL Action Rescue Helicopter was activated. Despite a 15 square kilometre search area it took the helicopter less than 20 minutes to locate the family, smoke from a small fire the family lit assisted the helicopter in finding them so quickly.
With last light only 5 minutes away, the rescue helicopter's flight paramedic was winched down to the stranded family and found them safe and well.
The AGL Action Rescue Helicopter crew in consultation with police decided leaving the family overnight was too much of a risk, so in darkness the crew winched a 9 year old girl, her 3 month old baby sister and their 33 year old mother to safety. A 41 year old man was also rescued.
The girls' father had earlier left the party on foot to try and find help. At 11:30 pm, six hours after he left the family, he walked into Woodgate with no apparent injuries.
Release Date: 1205 Friday 27 January
