Cody Evans and Joshua Heel-Murray found after spending a night lost in Mengha, Tasmania’s northwest
Miracle when two prospectors are found after missing for 18 hours in remote and rugged wilderness
- Two mates spent the night lost
- The police launched a large-scale search
- Men were found safe and sound on Friday
Two missing mates who spent the night lost on a gold digging adventure have been found.
Cody Evans and Joshua Heel-Murray contacted family around 8.30pm on Thursday evening to say they had become lost in the Mengha area of northwestern Tasmania.
The pair traveling in an older style white Mitsubishi Pajero indicated they were heading to the Spion Kop Road area to prospect for gold when they lost their way.
Police launched a large-scale search for the missing men on Friday as the Westpac rescue helicopter scoured the area from the air.
Devastated relatives prayed for their safe return.
The two men were heading to Spion Kop Road near Mengha (pictured) when they got lost on Thursday night
The desperate search for two missing men in northwestern Tasmania ended Friday afternoon
“My son Josh Murray is missing somewhere near Forest. Please pray that the police and SES find him. I am so concerned but I trust in God he will be found safe,” Rebecca Murray posted on Facebook.
“He has been missing since yesterday because he was gold hunting in the area. I hope he’s near a stream or river. The weather is good right now and Josh and his mate have a car, but not sure they’ll be around there.”
Tasmania Police confirmed the men were found safe and sound on Friday afternoon.
“The two men believed to be missing have been located after an emergency text message alerted police to their location as they entered a service area,” senior sergeant Stewart Williams said.
“I encourage anyone entering Tasmania’s remote wilderness to have a registered EPIRB or PLB device that can pinpoint your location or to be familiar with using the Emergency Location Service application available on the most mobile phones.’
The Westpac rescue helicopter (flight tracking map shown) is now on its back to Hobart