Gippsland couple reveal what they did to stay alive while lost for four days
After being found on Thursday morning after a four-day search in the Victorian high country, Guy and Susan Beesley have told locals how they got lost and the genius idea which helped them survive.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Trapped on a remote track in the Victorian high country, a Gippsland couple made a decision that likely saved their lives.
Guy and Susan Beesley were on their way home to Willung after visiting Mansfield when they took a more remote route back on Monday afternoon.
But they found their path blocked by a bridge that was being repaired and didn’t feel safe trying to turn around on the narrow road.
So the couple stayed with their 4WD – as their loved ones and emergency services feared the worst.
Great news! Missing couple Guy and Susan Beesley have been located safe and well. Thanks for the retweets.
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) October 31, 2019
But the four day search and rescue mission had a happy ending when a tourist from NSW came across them on Thursday morning.
He was able to help them turn around and the couple drive into mobile phone range where they contacted their daughter, who notified police.
Police had been expected to address media in Mansfield about the search at about the time they were found.
Instead officers were able to meet them at the Licola General Store where they stopped after their ordeal was over.
“They were absolutely fine, in good shape you wouldn’t believe it really,” store owner Darren Shepherd told the Herald Sun.
The decision to stay with their vehicle “saved their lives”, he said.
They came in and purchased some bottles of water and described what they had been through.
“They had three bottles of wine so were filling them up at the river … She said she had been a bit scared, but he seemed fine, a bit embarrassed.”
They thought they would be rescued by Saturday when there were more 4WD on the road.
Help was close by at one point.
“They heard a chainsaw and when they went and had a look around and saw a freshly cut tree … so a Parks officer had been there but just missed them.”
Mr Shepherd said the couple’s daughter called the store looking for them, but they missed her as they were looking after customers.
MORE NEWS
BIZARRE FACTOR THAT SAVED BILLBOARD RAPIST FROM ADULT JAIL
ANOTHER TOP SCHOOL IN ‘TOXIC MASCULINITY’ SCANDAL
He said they were looking forward to seeing their family.
They also have Mrs Beesley a present – the Vic Police flyer appealing for sightings.
“We gave her the wanted poster.”
Mr Shepherd was amazed at how they appeared unscathed.
“They are lucky to be alive. I was sure they were dead.”
Police last night said the couple were uncomfortable with the situation and had asked for privacy.
“We understand there are a lot of unanswered questions, we are endeavouring to fill in the gaps and once we have the information, we will provide an update,” a spokesman said.