Stranded for five days in thick Australian bushland, a 48-year-old woman – identified by police as Lillian – managed to survive on candy and a bottle of wine.
According to Wodonga Police, Lillian was on her way to Bright, Australia for a short vacation. When she failed to check in with loved ones on April 30, authorities were alerted to her absence.
Police conducted a search in the areas of Mitta Mitta, Wodonga, Bright, and Albury but couldn’t locate Lillian for five days.
On the sixth day, the police Air Wing from Wodonga spotted Lillian’s car at the end of a dirt road in Mitta Mitta bushland.
“Lillian was found a good 60km away from the nearest town and due to health issues she was unable to try and walk for help so stayed with her car,” said Wodonga Police Station Sgt. Martin Torpey.
A local police van, directed by a helicopter sweep, found her alive and well.
Lillian had been trying to drive to Dartmouth Dam but ended up on a dead-end road. Her car got stuck in mud, leaving her stranded with no mobile phone coverage.
“She was only planning a short-day trip so had only taken a couple of snacks and [candy] with her but no water. The only liquid Lillian, who doesn’t drink, had with her was a bottle of wine she had bought as a gift for her mother so that got her through,” Torpey explained.
“While she couldn’t move her car, she was able to use the heater overnight to give her some warmth,” Torpey continued. “After being lost in the bush for five days, she was extremely relieved and grateful to see us and we were just as happy to see her.”
Lillian was treated in the hospital for dehydration and is expected to fully recover.
