The Western Australia Police Force is pleased to confirm 40-year-old man Kye MARTIN, was located safe and well following a land search in the Western Australian Goldfields.
Mr MARTIN was reported missing by family members after he became separated from a friend during a gold prospecting trip in a remote area near Ora Banda. He sent a message to family advising he was lost before losing reception around 2.00pm on Friday, 1 August 2025, which was immediately reported to police.
An extensive land search was commenced, coordinated by Kalgoorlie Police and the WA Police Emergency Operations Unit. A number of local police resources deployed to the area, in addition to specialist Tactical Response Group trackers and the Police Air Wing being dispatched from Perth.
Around 12.10pm on Saturday, 2 August 2025, crews on board the WA Police Air Wing 'Polair 63' helicopter successfully located Mr MARTIN, after spotting a makeshift shelter and his name marked out on the ground in a clearing.
Mr MARTIN was flown by helicopter to Kalgoorlie Airport where he was assessed by St John WA paramedics and later reunited with friends and family.
The Western Australian outback is made up of many different terrains which can be challenging to survive in. Police would like to take this opportunity to remind community members engaging in high-risk outdoor activities such as gold prospecting, four-wheel driving, mountain climbing and hiking, the importance of being well prepared for their journey, including:
- Researching road and weather conditions and wearing appropriate clothing;
- Being familiar with the area you are intending to explore;
- Carrying enough food, water and supplies;
- Carrying a Personal Locator Beacon and satellite phone with you, which can guide emergency services to your location;
- Sharing your travel plans with other people, including intended location and expected times of return.
In the event of becoming lost, a number of measures can be taken to assist emergency services in locating you, including:
- Leaving signs for air search crews, such as spelling a word on the ground in large letters (as in this case);
- Piling up rocks and arrows made from sticks, or simply dragging a stick behind you to mark the ground if you are moving locations to assist ground trackers;
- Try to attract attention by lighting a controlled fire;
- If you're in a vehicle, it is advisable to stay with it;
- If forced to leave the vehicle, place a note explaining your intentions, including the direction you're taking, what resources you have and crucially, the time and date you left, which will assist in tracking efforts.
