St Phillip’s College student rescued near Ellery Creek Big Hole after school camp disappearance

An Alice Springs college has shared its relief after one of its students went missing during a school camp overnight in five degree weather.

A middle-school student has been safely rescued after he went missing during a school camp near one Ellery Creek Big Hole, Alice Springs. Picture: PFES

A middle school student has been rescued after he went missing during a school camp near one of Central Australia’s most iconic waterholes.

The 13-year-old St Phillip’s College student was found after a 10-hour overnight search near Ellery Creek Big Hole.

St Phillip’s College principal Leslie Tilbrook said the boy was “bright, healthy, and well” after his ordeal.

“(He) ate some food after he was found, and has been reunited with his parents,” she said.

“Students in (his) group remained at the campsite overnight and returned to school a few hours earlier than planned, having completed their five-day expedition.

“Another group that was also out on camp is returning today at the scheduled time.”

Ms Tilbrook commended the school’s outdoor education staff and other senior staff members for their role in the search.

She also thanked NT Police for their efforts and a “wonderful result”.

Ellery Creek Big Hole is a popular waterhole 80km west of Alice Springs.

The student was first reported missing after he did not return from an orienteering activity near Ellery Creek Big Hole at about 9.30pm Thursday.

Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr said the boy had last been seen at 6pm but became separated from his group soon after.

Sergeant Grotherr said the Dog Operations Unit, Drone Unit, Tactical Response Group, general duties members, helicopters, motorcyclists, teachers, and school staff searched the surrounding area.

It is understood the Prime Minister’s security detail – who had not yet left Alice Springs after his recent trip to the town – also joined the search.

Sergeant Grotherr said the boy was found inside a car – which had been earlier left with its lights on by teachers – at 7.30am on Friday.

He said when the boy found the car, he stayed inside to keep warm against the chilly five degree weather.

He said the boy was reportedly “healthy and in good spirits” but would be assessed by medical personnel.

“This was a great outcome which was largely achieved through the efforts and initiative of teachers on the ground who worked tirelessly throughout the night to assist police with search efforts,” Sergeant Grotherr said.

“We commend the boy for locating and staying with the car.

“It was the right decision to make in regards to his personal safety and to assist us in ensuring he returned home.”

Sergeant Grotherr said the boy’s parents were kept informed of the incident as it unfolded.