A Police search yesterday located a Labrupuntja Outstation man, five days after he was last seen.
Sergeant Melissa Sanderson, Officer in Charge of the Hermannsburg Police Station, said Police were made aware of 38-year-old Eli Fly’s disappearance on Saturday.
“At 8.30am yesterday morning Police located Eli Fly walking from a bore within the area of Ipolera Outstation. He was safe and well and in good spirits,” Sergeant Sanderson said.
Mr Fly was reported missing by his family on Saturday afternoon.
On Sunday, a helicopter from Alice Springs searched for Mr Fly. A Police Officer and a member of the man’s family were on board.
Police members also searched for Mr Fly on foot and in vehicles at all outstations within a 30 kilometre radius of his home, without success.
A line search was then organised by The Territory Response Group.
Early yesterday morning, local Police and five Hermannsburg Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) members were marshalled on the ground at Labrupuntja Outstation in preparation for the line search to begin.
At about 7:30am information supplied to Police was that Mr Fly had stayed overnight at Ljitera Outstation and may have walked to Gilbert Spring or Ipolera.
At 8:30am Mr Fly was located by Police who attended Ipolera Outstation to commence searching at that location. He had walked 50-60km before he was found.
“It was a relief to Police and Mr Fly’s family that he was located without incident,” Sergeant Sanderson said.
“It’s very concerning for Police when people are walking around in the heat at this time of year – especially if they don’t tell people where they are going or how long they are expected to be gone for.
“It is vital for anyone travelling long distances or in this case a long walk to notify family, friends or the local Police where your are going to travel.
“If a search needs to be co-ordinated, every single piece of information counts for a successful search and rescue response.”
Police were happy with the response and assistance from the Local NT Emergency Service Volunteer unit and information that was received from members of the community.
Media Contact
Gina Wilson
8985 8837
