Cape Pest Control owner, Hardus Van Wyk finds missing Aurukun man
A Weipa-based pest control operator has become an unlikely hero after discovering a missing man on a remote Aurukun road following a five-day search operation.
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A Weipa-based pest control operator has become an unlikely hero after discovering a missing man on a remote Aurukun road following a five-day search operation.
The 52-year-old Aurukun resident had been separated from his hunting group on March 22, but was found safe and well by Hardus Van Wyk, the owner of Cape Pest Control.
“I could immediately tell he needed help. He was standing by the road, wearing socks, just waiting,” he said.
Mr Van Wyk, is one of the few locally-based pest control operators serving the vast and remote Cape York region, with extensive knowledge of the area from his regular work between Weipa and Aurukun.
He was en route to Aurukun on a regular service run early Thursday morning, March 27 when he spotted the man on the side of the road.
“It was clear he had been out there for a while,” Mr Van Wyk said.
“He had a bottle of water with him, which he had collected rain water from a culvert, which was flowing due to the recent rains.”
Despite being stranded for days, Mr Van Wyk said the Aurukun resident, who the Cairns Post has chosen not to name, appeared in good condition, though visibly relieved to be found.
“He wasn’t particularly suffering in any way, but he was clearly happy to be back on track,” he said.
The search for the 52-year-old had involved numerous agencies, including the Queensland Police, local council, and volunteer community members, who were combing through the dense bushland for several days.
He was first reported missing after becoming separated from his hunting group when their vehicle got bogged about 70km east of Aurukun.
As the search intensively continued, the community was on edge, still mourning the tragic loss of Adam (Waal Waal) Yunkaportaearlier in the year.
Mr Van Wyk, who was well aware of the ongoing search said he called authorities immediately after picking the missing man up.
“When I saw him, I didn’t hesitate,” Mr Van Wyk said.
After his unexpected encounter, the small business owner continued his drive toward Aurukun, and after meeting the first police vehicle, he flagged them down to share the good news.
It is understood, he was then taken to Aurukun hospital and given a clean bill of health.
After being located it prompted a wave of relief through the community, many of whom were familiar with the man and his family.
“It was a big deal for the community, especially after what happened to Adam Yunkaporta, people were really anxious,” Mr Van Wyk said.
“Finding him brought a sense of calm to everyone.”
Mr Van Wyk was quick to give full credit to the 52-year-old for his self-reliance.
“He saved himself, nobody else did it for him, he found his way to the road on his own, and I just helped him get the rest of the way to safety,” he said.
“I hope he will feel ready to tell his version of events when he’s comfortable. His survival story is certainly one worth hearing.”
The rescued 52-year-old Aurukun man was contacted for comment.
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Originally published as Cape Pest Control owner, Hardus Van Wyk finds missing Aurukun man
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