A FAMILY of four had to be rescued by helicopter on Sunday after submerging their vehicle on the Old Telegraph Track.
Details were still unclear on Monday morning but acting Cape Inspector Peter Williamson said the couple and two young children made a distress call from a location on the iconic off-road track.
“It seems their car got bogged or washed away in a creek and they were stuck there,” he said.
“I think they’ve had a satellite phone and called for help.”
A helicopter was sent from Horn Island and collected the family, taking them to Thursday Island.
Inspector Williamson said travellers heading to the Cape should be wary of conditions before venturing off the main roads.
“It’s been a good wet season and there’s been late rain, so the creeks are still up and the water levels are shifting whenever there is rain,” he said.
“It was great that this family had a satellite phone but it could have been a different outcome if they didn’t.
“As we always say, if it’s flooded, forget it. You don’t want to ruin your holiday.”
