Police rescue a Croydon man

By DION TEASDALE
HEALESVILLE SES and Lilydale police last week were called to rescue a Croydon man and three teenagers stranded in Toolangi State forest.
Deputy Controller of Healesville SES Geoff Stott said the branch was notified at 4pm on Saturday, 16 July, that a group of four males was lost in the forest.
“The man and the three teenagers had been driving offroad through the Toolangi State forest in a 4WD when they became bogged,” Mr Stott said.
“The man was uncertain of his location, and didn’t think he could find his way out, but he had a mobile phone and we were able to communicate directly with him.”
The SES failed to find the group after two hours of searching and so called Lilydale police.
“Police joined the search with two vehicles around 6pm, but it wasn’t until around 10.30pm that we located the group and were able to pick them up,” Mr Stott said.
He said the man and three teenagers were found in a restricted area of the forest near Pauls Lane.
“They were making their way through a restricted area of the forest where the terrain is very heavy, and that’s where they ran into trouble with their vehicle,” Mr Stott said.
Mr Stott said people wanting to make 4WD trips should always take two vehicles in case one gets bogged.
Senior Constable Andrew Box from Lilydale police said the man and three teenagers sustained no injuries during their sevenhour ordeal.
“People need to use common sense when heading out into these parts,” he said.
“You might think you are heading out for a bit of afternoon fun, but if you are not properly prepared and don’t travel with the right equipment you can easily run into trouble.”