Man camping at Robin Falls rescued by helicopter after getting lost during bush walk

Basic survival skills have helped a man camping in the Top End to be rescued by helicopter, after he became disoriented on a walk.

A 79-YEAR-OLD man camping at Robin Falls has been rescued by emergency services after becoming disoriented on a walk.

The man was camping around the falls when he went for a walk on Sunday and became disoriented.

He was unable to return to his campsite but found higher ground for the night and contacted police on Monday about 12.30pm.

The man provided detailed co-ordinates that placed him 2.2km from Robin Falls.

A helicopter found the man by 6.30pm and due to the approaching nightfall, a police officer and clinician were dropped down to assess the man’s condition.

At 11.30pm a chartered helicopter picked up the trio and the man was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for observation.

Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Mellon said the rescue showed the importance of basic survival skills.

“This was a fantastic result that highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration and basic survival skills,” he said.

“The victim has made the smart decision to seek high ground for phone reception, let police know his location, and to stay put until help could arrive. The remote area nurse from the Adelaide River Clinic provided critical treatment in the field.

“I would like to thank the members stationed at Adelaide River for their swift response to this incident.

“Circumstances can change quickly when hiking in the Territory and it is vital that you plan ahead, take adequate food and water and always carry a fully charged phone.”

Originally published as Man camping at Robin Falls rescued by helicopter after getting lost during bush walk