Amazing Survival Story: How One Couple Outlasted Three Terrifying Days Among Crocodiles with No Food in Queensland—Don't Ignore Their Mistake!

In the vast and often unforgiving wilderness of Far North Queensland, a couple in their 50s found themselves in a life-or-death situation that would test their survival instincts to the limit. Stranded with no food and surrounded by crocodile-infested waters, their harrowing tale serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of underestimating nature's power.

The couple's ordeal began with what can only be described as a 4WD blunder. While travelling between Normanton and Kowanyama, a remote road crossing at Clark Creek became the scene of their nightmare when a sudden torrent of water swept their vehicle away. In a desperate bid for survival, the couple and their two loyal dogs managed to escape the clutches of the floodwaters, but not without losing all their belongings in the process.


For three days, they endured the relentless 40°C heat, swarms of insects, and the ever-present threat of crocodiles. With no tools or resources, they drank muddy river water to quench their thirst, while their dogs, equally exhausted, limped alongside them. The couple constructed makeshift shelters from branches and leaves, not only to protect themselves from the elements but also to ward off a stalking crocodile that had its eyes set on them.


compressed-lifeflight.jpeg
LifeFlight rescued a couple and two of their pets after being stuck for three days. Image Credit: Facebook/LifeFlight


The situation seemed dire, and hope was fading. LifeFlight pilot Michael Adair, who was on his first mission in Australia after moving from New Zealand, recounted the emotional moment of discovery. 'These people had resigned themselves to dying,' he said. 'Seeing the look on their faces when they saw us and realised they weren't going to die—that's the reason we do this.'


The extensive search for the missing couple was challenging, with flooded roads preventing Queensland Police from conducting a land search. It was the LifeFlight crew, scouring 500 km of desert, who eventually spotted the enormous SOS message the couple had scraped into the dirt. Six hours into the flight, the couple was seen waving frantically, signalling for rescue.

Upon their rescue, the couple's relief was palpable. They had been convinced that no one was coming for them, with the wife even hearing voices in the bush due to exposure. The emotional reunion with their rescuers was a testament to their incredible will to survive against all odds.

This amazing survival story is not just a testament to the human spirit but also a cautionary tale. The couple's mistake of attempting to cross floodwaters in their 4WD is a common yet dangerous one, especially in regions known for sudden and severe weather changes. It's a reminder to all of us, particularly those who love the great outdoors, to respect the power of nature and to always be prepared for the unexpected.


As we marvel at the couple's resilience, let's also take this opportunity to reflect on our own preparedness when embarking on adventures in remote areas. Always inform someone of your travel plans, carry emergency supplies, and never attempt to cross floodwaters. Your safety is paramount, and as this couple's story shows, the unexpected can happen.
Key Takeaways

  • A Queensland couple and their dogs were rescued after a three-day ordeal stranded in crocodile-infested waters in far north Queensland.
  • They survived 40C heat, drinking muddy floodwater and avoiding crocodiles, after their 4WD was washed away by floodwaters.
  • An extensive search by LifeFlight led to their rescue after they spelled out 'SOS' in the dirt and were spotted waving frantically.
  • The rescue operation was a first for New Zealand pilot Michael Adair, who found the size and remoteness of Australia compared to New Zealand to be striking.
Members of the Seniors Discount Club, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this incredible story of survival. Have you ever found yourself in a tricky situation while travelling? What safety tips do you swear by? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below, and let's learn from each other to ensure our adventures are safe and enjoyable.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
"Ward off a stalking crocodile" with a little lean-to of branches and leaves? Yaier, right ...
Crocodiles also eat at night, too, and a leafy barrier would be a joke to a hungry croc looking for a nice human snack.
 
Last edited:
"Survival In The Wilderness".

Watch the documentary on Channel X, buy the book, purchase merchandise such as t shirts, caps and a limited edition of Solo "Wilderness" soft drink.

It seems that anyone who "survives" an ordeal such as this, becomes a "celebrity".

In their own mind....
And then they can make guest appearances at Steve Irwin's joint up the coast.
 
Can anyone remember on the news years ago there was a couple who decided to take the scenic way instead of the other way and broke down. She wrote notes on scraps of paper on how they found chocolate to try to survive .She said how cold it was . Wish l could remember more such as where it happened.
 
Enormous? Looks like about seven feet max (I don't believe in metrics) to me.
How far did they travel from the Gulf before they hit "desert" and their rescue was complete?
Never let the facts ...
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×