A 60-year-old Norwegian tourist has been found after getting lost in the bush while walking the Larapinta Trail west of Alice Springs.

Police were alerted around 6pm last night when an EPIRB was activated. The emergency beacon was registered to a Norwegian tourist who had advised he was expecting to walk the trail from Mt Sonder to Alice Springs arriving on May 11.

At first light this morning Parks and Wildlife rangers began trekking towards the coordinates shown by the emergency beacon when it was activated. They located the man on the northern side of a large waterhole, however, were unable to reach him. They then used the helicopter to try to gain access to the far side of the waterhole, however were forced to return because the rugged terrain did not enable the helicopter to set down.

While the rangers were trying to locate a set down area the man managed to swim across the waterhole and was then evacuated back to Alice Springs.

Senior Sergeant Michael Potts said the waterhole had almost been the man's downfall the night before when he had tried to swim across it with his rucksack.

"He set off his EPIRB initially after he nearly drowned trying to cross the waterhole the night before" Sen Sgt Potts said.

"However, he must have been pretty desperate when he saw the helicopter take off with the rangers again today, so he tried again. Luckily this time he was successful."

Sen Sgt Potts said this incident highlighted the fact that it was very easy to get lost in the bush, even when you've done everything right.

"In his case, he had an EPIRB, and he'd registered his trek, but apparently he simply failed to recognise one particular landmark and got himself lost."

Sen Sgt Potts said the incident should act as a warning to others contemplating undertaking such hikes in unfamiliar territory.



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