On Monday 4 May 2026, police received a report that a couple - a man aged in his 80s and his partner, a woman aged in her 60s - had failed to return to the Tjuntjuntjara Aboriginal Community, approximately 390 kilometres east of Kalgoorlie, after setting out on a hunting trip.
The pair left the community in a black Nissan Navara utility about 11.00am on Sunday 3 May 2026 and later became stranded after their vehicle became bogged along a remote bush track.
A coordinated multi-agency land search and rescue operation was commenced, with officers deployed from Kalgoorlie Police Station, supported by local community members and overseen by the Western Australia Police Emergency Operations Unit. Due to the remoteness and inaccessible terrain, an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Challenger rescue jet was deployed from Perth to assist with the search.
About 1.00am on Wednesday 6 May 2026, crew onboard the AMSA aircraft identified two spot fires burning approximately 15 kilometres south-east of Tjuntjuntjara. Police attended the location to investigate, where the man was subsequently located. He had left the vehicle and had walked several hours to seek help. Police were guided back to the Ute's location where the woman was located and recovered.
Both were transported to the Tjuntjuntjara Medical Centre for a precautionary medical assessment.
Police remind community members engaging in high-risk outdoor activities in remote areas that the Western Australian outback consists of diverse and challenging terrain, and it is critical to be well prepared before travelling. This includes researching road and weather conditions, wearing appropriate clothing, being familiar with the area, carrying sufficient food and water, ensuring access to reliable communication such as a Personal Locator Beacon or satellite phone, and sharing travel plans with others, including expected return times.
If lost or stranded, measures to assist emergency services include creating visible signs for air search crews, marking the ground with rocks or arrows made from sticks, lighting a controlled fire where safe to do so, and remaining with a vehicle until help arrives.
Police acknowledge the efforts and assistance of community members and thank our partner agencies who were involved in the successful outcome.
