Cape York community unites to find man missing in bush for three days
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
The western Cape York Peninsula community of Aurukun has banded together to find a 60-year-old man missing in rugged bushland from almost three days.
A search began on Wednesday for Burt Wikmunea after his family reported him missing from his Enyan Circuit home. Concerns were held for his safety due to a medical condition.
A large number of people assisted police and State Emergency Services with the search, including staff from local businesses and from Aurukun Shire Council, as well as relatives, friends, and members of the public.
Queensland Police officer in charge, Senior Sergeant Amit Singh, said there had been an incredible outpouring of support from the community.
“All I did was ask for help and everyone just jumped in. The local council knocked their staff off early on Friday to help, even the teachers finished early and jumped in again today on their days off.
“There were volunteers from Weipa and Cairns, rangers on ATVs and officers on horses thanks to a local station owner.
“It was a coordinated effort through some very tough and rugged terrain.”
After almost three days, Mr Wikmunea was found in a swamp area near the airport late on Saturday morning.
Senior Sergeant Singh said he was exhausted but stable and transported to hospital for further treatment.
“We thank all the organisations, community members, my officers and the state coordination unit for mobilising such an amazing bunch of people to come together for this job.
“I’m relieved it was a good outcome.”
