Missing 71-year-old NSW tourist found alive and well in Litchfield
Missing tourist Maggie Dobbin has walked out of the bush in excellent health — despite spending two days lost in Litchfield National Park — declaring: ‘I’m in absolutely good health’.
Northern Territory
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UPDATE: Police say 71-year-old Maggie Dobbin, who went missing in Litchfield National Park on Sunday, was lucky she had sufficient provisions to survive after she became disoriented while hiking.
Superintendent Brendan Muldoon said the New South Wales tourist left Wangi Falls to walk Tjaetaba Falls, a hike of about 10km.
“She became disoriented and was unable to find her way back,” he said.
“Luckily, she was well-provisioned with food and water and a silver blanket, she had also found enough fresh water to stay hydrated.
“She was resting in the shade this afternoon when she heard the helicopter and was able to walk to a point where she could be seen and was subsequently picked up by the helicopter.”
The air and land search included NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services, NT Emergency Service volunteers and NT Parks and Wildlife personnel.
“We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the lady’s rescue,” Supt Muldoon said.
EARLIER 1.47PM: NSW woman Maggie Dobbin, who was reported missing in Litchfield National Park, has walked out in excellent health despite her harrowing ordeal after spending two nights in the bush.
The 71-year-old Tweed Heads hiker was all smiles as she greeted the public.
“I’m in absolutely good health,” she said.
“I would like to thank the search and rescue teams.”
EARLIER: Missing NSW woman Maggie Dobbin has been found alive and well following an extensive search by emergency services at Litchfield National Park.
The 71-year-old woman from Tweed Heads went missing for two days after going on a hike before failing to meet her friends on Sunday.
She was last seen near the Wangi Falls campground on Sunday at around 11:30am.
NT police confirmed on Tuesday Maggie had been found alive and well.
EARLIER: Police are pleading with the public to be on the lookout for a missing 71-year-old woman who hasn’t been seen since going on a bushwalk in Litchfield National Park yesterday.
Authorities said the woman failed to return from a bushwalk near Wangi Falls on Sunday.
At around 9pm last night, police and rangers were notified that the woman had not been seen since 11.30am, after leaving for a short walk around the Tabletop Walking Track. She had plans to meet with friends after the hike.
The woman is described as caucasian, 4 foot 5 inches tall and with blonde-grey hair.
Police search and rescue specialists have been deployed this morning, and are currently co-ordinating land and air searches with park rangers.
Superintendent Brendan Muldoon urged any travellers in the area to keep an eye out for the woman.
“She is reportedly a fit and experienced hiker, however the terrain is challenging out there and we have concerns for her safety,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately on 131 444.
- story by Natasha Emeck, Floss Adams and Raphaella Saroukos
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