Prepare yourself, before you trek out

In light of a number of search and rescue operations, Far North Queensland police are reminding adventurers to have the necessary supplies, before trekking out.

Earlier this month a 50-year-old motorcyclist from Earlville became lost, following torrential rain just north of Kuranda.

Andrew Nielsen and his 10-year-old blue cattle dog, Jasper set out on a ride at Flaggy Creek Trail via Quaid Road on Wednesday, February 3.

A search and rescue operation was launched involving aerial assets, police patrols, around 20 State Emergency Service personnel and members of the public.

Andrew survived off grass and water from puddles.

After three days of scouring the area, the search radius was increased and Andrew was spotted by a helicopter around 9km north west of where his vehicle was parked just after 6pm on February 5.

Jasper was found the following day by volunteer motorcyclists in good spirits.

Andrew has expressed his thanks to everyone involved in the operation to find him and his dog.

“To those guys especially, who brought him home safe, thank you… That was an unbelievable effort… Thank you all very much”, he said.

Inspector Andrew Cowie said there is a lesson to be learned though.

“About having the appropriate resources as well as your personal locator beacon, supplies and first aid kits.”

That includes preparing yourself for the journey by having a plentiful water supply, food and ideally an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

It’s best to let someone know where you are going and providing an estimated time of return too.

“We ask that people reduce the risk on everyone, including themselves by having those resources with them, when they go out,” Inspector Cowie said.