Dad’s incredible tale of survival after spending four days walking across bushland barefoot and drinking from croc-infested watering holes
- Queensland man Jerry David spent four days lost in the wilderness of Cape York
- Mr David was stranded when he struck a cow with his 4WD in an isolated area
- While trying to find his way back home in the dark Mr David got horribly lost
- To survive four days in the wild he drank from crocodile-infested water holes
A father is lucky to be alive after getting lost in the wilderness and drinking from crocodile-infested waters.
Jerry David, 44, from Kowanyama, Queensland, was driving from his home to the nearby town of Pompuraaw on November 14 when he hit a cow.
The damage to his 4WD meant Mr David was stranded in a remote area of Cape York and 100km from his home, ABC News reported.
Queensland man Jerry David (pictured) was lost in the Cape York wilderness for four days after crashing his 4WD into a cow on a remote and isolated road
Mr David was driving from his home in Kowanyama to Pormpuraaw in Queensland (pictured) before he crashed into the cow and lost his way in the dark of the night
The crash happened in the middle of the night and Mr David was only wearing a pair of shorts and he had no food or water with him so he decided to make his way home on foot.
But his family reported him missing the day after when he didn’t return home.
The dad spent four days in the bush and was forced to drink from watering holes known to be infested with crocodiles.
Police found him near the Mitchell River on Monday, 30km from the crash site.
Pompuraaw Police Sergeant Nick Ziersch told the publication Mr David’s survival was made more remarkable because of the 40C heat in the area.
‘He had no shirt, no shoes, and no food and managed to stay alive by drinking from waterholes. He had enough local knowledge to be able to avoid crocodiles while drinking,’ Sergeant Ziersch said.
‘It’s quite remarkable when you consider the factors involved.
‘I suppose it goes a long way to show how that local knowledge and awareness of the land can be of assistance.’
Mr David was given the all clear after a medical examination and is now recovering from his ordeal at home.
Police said Mr David’s knowledge of the local country meant he was able to safely drink from watering holes which more often than not contained crocodiles (stock image)