Three teenagers have been rescued after a lengthy operation triggered by a huge message written in the sand in a remote area of Western Australia.
The group’s white Holden Colorado became stuck in the Pink Lake area in Gregory, south of Kalbarri on WA’s central coast, on Saturday.
The group managed a big ‘HELP!!’ message in the sand, which was detected by pilots.
Police later noted that they did not have proper 4WD equipment or an emergency beacon.
About 3pm on Saturday, air traffic control notified WA Police that a pilot had detected the aid signal about 27 nautical miles south of Kalbarri, while a stationary vehicle was seen nearby. Shortly afterwards, a second report was also filed by a second pilot.
Three teenagers were rescued after their car got stuck in a remote part of Western Australia (photo from the rescue flight)
Three teenagers were rescued after their car got stuck in a remote part of Western Australia
A joint operation between officers from Kalbarri Police and the Mid West – Gascoyne Traffic area, and a Challenger jet deployed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), established the GPS coordinates of the stuck 4WD and ensured the police were able to reach the vehicle.
Officers resorted to reaching the group on foot, traversing the brush and dry lake.
By the time police reached the group, the teens, although unharmed, had been stranded for about six hours.
Bystanders also arrived on the scene, but were unable to recover the car due to the rough terrain.
A 3pm AEST statement from WA Police said the vehicle would be recovered at a later date.
The three teens were driven to Lucky Bay, about 45 miles (72 km) east, and reunited with their family and friends.
