Police are reminding people not to travel on closed roads after a couple was left stranded for three days after their vehicle became bogged on the Cape Melville Track on 18 April. Photo: Queensland Police Service.
Laura police have used a helicopter to rescue a couple from the closed Cape Melville Track after their vehicle became bogged on 18 April.
The couple, a 21-year-old male and 19-year-old woman from the Atherton Tablelands, became stranded after their four-wheel drive became bogged and suffered a broken winch while attempting a recovery.
Hope Vale police attempted to locate the pair by road but roads in the area were closed and impassable due to wet weather.
At around 10am on 21 April, police using a helicopter rescued the pair and transported them to the Laura police station.
The pair sustained minor cuts and abrasions.
Cape Melville National Park is closed each year from 1 December to 31 July, as roads are impassable for extended periods following annual wet season inundation.
Special Constable Adam Tickner said the pair did the right thing by staying with their vehicle.
“It was fortunate that these people had enough food and water to last a few days, however, this is very challenging terrain, especially during the wet season,” he said.
“These roads are closed for a reason, and phone reception is limited.
“When travelling on the Cape, ensure you have a satellite phone or personal locator beacon, recovery gear, spare parts, first aid, and adequate food, water and fuel.”
Anyone travelling to remote parts of Cape York is urged to plan their trip, check national park alerts, and keep an eye on the QLDTraffic and local council websites for road conditions.
