On Monday this week, Northern Territory Police Search and Rescue Section conducted a search operation north of Adelaide River following reports of a missing 73-year-old man.

John had not been seen since 10pm Sunday night with the alarm being raised with police early Monday morning prompting a search by Adelaide River Police members with the assistance of John’s carer.

It was quickly escalated to the Search and Rescue Section (SRS) as temperatures reached 34°c and John was known to suffer from late-stage dementia as well as type 2 diabetes.

A large-scale response was deployed including one Longranger helicopters with TRG air observers, 3 members from the mounted unit, 4 motorcycles and one ATV, 3 Australian Search and Rescue K9’s, 7 SRS members and one drone.

Just before 5pm that evening, a police search team located John approximately 800 meters from his residence on a vacant property.

He was found in a disoriented state and was transported to the local medical clinic for assessment and treatment before being safely returned to his carer.

Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr said, “The report of a missing person who suffers from dementia is always concerning, particularly considering the high temperatures in the area.

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved in this rescue.

“Without the support of each responder, this successful outcome wouldn’t have been possible.”