Family rescued after being stranded in Australian desert for four days

The Zavros family, who were stranded for four days, pose for a pic with rescuers
Instagram
Sami Quadri16 November 2021

A family of four have been rescued after being stranded in South Australia’s remote outback for four days due to heavy flooding.

Orios and Lindsey Zavros had been travelling around the country with their two young children, Zoe and Zane, in a home-built campervan when the vehicle became stuck in the Simpson Desert on Friday.

They were rescued by a police helicopter on Tuesday morning and taken back to Coober Pedy where they are expected to undergo precautionary checks at hospital.

In a statement on social media, the couple said: “We are safe! We have so many msgs and emails etc to reply to. We will reply to every one of you soon.

“Right now our priority is making sure Zoe and Zane are comfortable and finding a way home asap.” (sic)

AUSTRALIA-WEATHER-FLOOD
The stranded campervan following torrential rain in remote South Australia, about 150 kilometres (93 miles) northwest of Oodnadatta
Australian Maritime Safety Autho

They called for help last Friday but were told to expect a lengthy wait as the local area had been submerged by floodwaters.

Prior to the rescue, authorities had dropped essential supplies including water and a satellite phone to the family.

Ms Zavros’ mother Theo said she was “thrilled to bits” about the rescue.

She was particularly excited to reconnect with three-year-old granddaughter Zoe.

“We understand the three-year-old was a little bit sensitive to everything so I can’t wait to speak to her – basically to speak to all of them,” she said.

She had earlier told ABC Radio Perth about her concern for the safety of the family as scorching weather temperatures were on the horizon.

She told ABC Radio Perth: “We’re a little bit concerned because, we are told, the next couple of days are going to be over 38 degrees.

“When they were bogged, they had food for the next four days, which was good enough. They were hoping that another traveller would go by and be able to help them but obviously not.”

South Australia police said in a statement: "The family are being flown to Coober Pedy to stay the night, where they will then make their own further travel arrangements.”

The family have been journeying across Australia in their truck and regularly document their travels to their 6000-strong Instagram followers.

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