High-profile radio host disappears on crocodile-infested river
- Replies 9
The Australian wilderness is one of the most pristine and breathtaking places in the world.
It’s also filled with many dangers.
Unfortunately, a former 2GB radio host has suddenly disappeared from a crocodile-infested river in far North Queensland.
Roman Butchaski, known by his colleagues as ‘Butch’, set off on a fishing expedition at 8 AM Sunday at the Olive River, a 70km winding path that starts in the Richardson Range, and ends in Temple Bay. The river is 600km north of Cairns and 100km south of Bamaga at the tip of Cape York.
However, he was never seen or heard of since his trip, leading to a major search.
‘Butch is missing,’ 2GB host Ben Fordham said to listeners.
‘He borrowed a side-by-side buggy from a friend and travelled about an hour to go fishing along the banks of the Olive River,’ local reporter Harry Clark told Fordham.
‘All that they've found of Butch is that vehicle with a few personal effects, such as a fishing rod that was found on Sunday afternoon, and he hasn't been seen since,’ he added.
'It's on Cape York, and the Olive River is a tidal saltwater river–and like all waterways in that area, they're known crocodile habitat. ‘
'That's certainly one of the things that search crews are taking into consideration as they as they look for Butch.’
This information, along with the fact that Butchaski suffers from diabetes, has sparked fear that he may have suffered a medical episode while out alone in the bush.
Butchaski’s fishing mate Gavin Pitchford said that he was regularly fishing in this river, and he was hopeful he would turn up safely.
‘I’m devastated,’ Pitchford said.
‘Butchy walks the banks up there regularly. He's been fishing there forever.’
Police are saying that the search has proven difficult because of the dense bush and the risk of croc attacks.
‘Certainly, it’s a risk for any of our searchers and our emergency services,' said Senior Sergeant Duane Amos.
'That’s something that the search and rescue co-ordinators would be taking into consideration.’
Sergeant Amos added, ‘[Butchaski] had gone to that location fishing. He'd previously gone to that location.’
'He’s a keen fisherman, so the expectation is anyone who fishes those areas would take all reasonable precautions in and around those waterways.’
'He was certainly well prepared for a normal expedition that it would appear he’s undertaken before.’
'When he failed to return at last light, that's when the initial search has been commenced by family and friends. ‘
'The preliminary search located the vehicle the gentleman had gone to the location with.’
Fordham said everyone’s thoughts and prayers at the radio station were with Butchaski and his family while the search continues.
'Obviously, we're thinking of everyone who knew Butch, and we're hoping that he is out there somewhere,' Fordham said.
Queensland Police announced that the search will resume on Tuesday, 14 November.
‘Emergency services were called to the area after the man, aged in his 60s, failed to return,' a spokesman said.
'Police and the Rescue 700 helicopter commenced the search and recommenced search efforts at first light. Additional officers are travelling from Bamaga to assist.’
Members, let us all hope that Roman Butchaski is in a safe place and he’ll be found soon.
Are you a fan of his? Share your stories about him in the comments below.
It’s also filled with many dangers.
Unfortunately, a former 2GB radio host has suddenly disappeared from a crocodile-infested river in far North Queensland.
Roman Butchaski, known by his colleagues as ‘Butch’, set off on a fishing expedition at 8 AM Sunday at the Olive River, a 70km winding path that starts in the Richardson Range, and ends in Temple Bay. The river is 600km north of Cairns and 100km south of Bamaga at the tip of Cape York.
However, he was never seen or heard of since his trip, leading to a major search.
Former 2GB radio host Roman Butchaski is currently missing. Credit: Facebook
‘Butch is missing,’ 2GB host Ben Fordham said to listeners.
‘He borrowed a side-by-side buggy from a friend and travelled about an hour to go fishing along the banks of the Olive River,’ local reporter Harry Clark told Fordham.
‘All that they've found of Butch is that vehicle with a few personal effects, such as a fishing rod that was found on Sunday afternoon, and he hasn't been seen since,’ he added.
'It's on Cape York, and the Olive River is a tidal saltwater river–and like all waterways in that area, they're known crocodile habitat. ‘
'That's certainly one of the things that search crews are taking into consideration as they as they look for Butch.’
This information, along with the fact that Butchaski suffers from diabetes, has sparked fear that he may have suffered a medical episode while out alone in the bush.
Butchaski’s fishing mate Gavin Pitchford said that he was regularly fishing in this river, and he was hopeful he would turn up safely.
‘I’m devastated,’ Pitchford said.
‘Butchy walks the banks up there regularly. He's been fishing there forever.’
Police are saying that the search has proven difficult because of the dense bush and the risk of croc attacks.
‘Certainly, it’s a risk for any of our searchers and our emergency services,' said Senior Sergeant Duane Amos.
'That’s something that the search and rescue co-ordinators would be taking into consideration.’
Sergeant Amos added, ‘[Butchaski] had gone to that location fishing. He'd previously gone to that location.’
'He’s a keen fisherman, so the expectation is anyone who fishes those areas would take all reasonable precautions in and around those waterways.’
'He was certainly well prepared for a normal expedition that it would appear he’s undertaken before.’
'When he failed to return at last light, that's when the initial search has been commenced by family and friends. ‘
'The preliminary search located the vehicle the gentleman had gone to the location with.’
Fordham said everyone’s thoughts and prayers at the radio station were with Butchaski and his family while the search continues.
'Obviously, we're thinking of everyone who knew Butch, and we're hoping that he is out there somewhere,' Fordham said.
Queensland Police announced that the search will resume on Tuesday, 14 November.
‘Emergency services were called to the area after the man, aged in his 60s, failed to return,' a spokesman said.
'Police and the Rescue 700 helicopter commenced the search and recommenced search efforts at first light. Additional officers are travelling from Bamaga to assist.’
Members, let us all hope that Roman Butchaski is in a safe place and he’ll be found soon.
Are you a fan of his? Share your stories about him in the comments below.
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waters unless they want to be the crocodiles 
