Ominous ‘HELP’ message sparks rescue

Three teenagers have been rescued following a lengthy operation sparked by a ‘Help’ message written in the sand on a remote area in Western Australia.

The group’s white Holden Colorado became bogged in the Pink Lake area in Gregory, south of Kalbarri on Saturday, however they managed to scrawl a large “HELP!!” message in the sand, which was detected by pilots.

Police later noted they did not have any 4WD recover equipment or an emergency beacon.

At about 3pm on Saturday Air Traffic Control notified WA Police that a pilot had discovered the cry for help about 27 nautical miles south of Kalbarri, with a stuck vehicle scene near by, shortly a second report was also lodged by a second pilot.

A joint operation between officers from Kalbarri Police and Mid West – Gascoyne Traffic area, and a Challenger jet deployed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) established the GPS co-ordinates of the bogged 4WD, and allowed police to reach the vehicle.

Officers resorted to reaching the group by foot, and traversed the scrub land and the dry lake.

By the time police reached the group, the teenagers, while uninjured, had been stranded for about six hours.

Bystanders had also approached the scene, however they were unable to recover the vehicle due to the harsh terrain.

A 3pm AEST from WA Police said the vehicle would be recovered at a later time, however the three teens were driven to Lucky Bay, about 72kms east, and reunited with their family and friends.