Grandmother, 84, is found alive after spending three nights lost in remote bushland as temperatures soared to 37C
- A grandmother has survived treacherous conditions while lost in bushland in SA
- Patricia Byrne, 84, was missing for three nights after going for a bushwalk
- Temperatures soared to a scorching 37 degrees on Friday and she had no water
A grandmother is lucky to be alive after spending three nights lost in remote bushland with scorching temperatures and no food or water.
Patricia Byrne, 84, disappeared while out bushwalking on her family’s property in Mount Trio, about 330 kilometres south-east of Perth, on Thursday morning.
A large search involving helicopters and police on horseback was launched later in the day after family reported her missing.
Patricia Byrne, 84, (pictured) disappeared while out bushwalking on her family’s property in Mount Trio, about 330 kilometres south-east of Perth, on Thursday morning
After three days of searching, rescue teams discovered the grandmother wandering along the road on Sunday
Volunteers rushed to scour the large property as temperatures soared to 37 degrees on Friday.
By Saturday search efforts were ramped up with a dive squad sent out to search dams.
Luckily, rescue teams discovered the grandmother wandering along the road on Sunday.
Ms Bryne was exhausted after spending three long nights in the bushland, but she was talking, police said.
A large search involving helicopters and police on horseback was launched later in the day after family reported her missing
Ms Bryne was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Family could be seen cheering, hugging and crying when news broke that she had been found.
‘We thought we were getting the worst of the worst and then he just hit us with the best lotto we could ever ask for,’ a family member told 9news.
‘That’s the best Christmas present ever.’
Family could be seen cheering, hugging and crying when news broke that she had been found
Her survival has left experts amazed as she was without food or water.
Great Southern Police Inspector Geoff Dixon told ABC they had been concerned about the weather overnight – especially considering Ms Bryne’s age.
‘We had quite strong winds and rain here on the Northern part of the Stirling Ranges,’ he said.
‘Exposure is one of those insidious things, that creeps up on you, and at 84-years-old it doesn’t matter how fit you are.’