Missing hikers found after full-scale search at Victoria’s Mt Buffalo
A Melbourne couple missing for four days in thick bushland in Victoria’s alpine region has described the whole saga as “lovely”.
Trevor Salvado, 60, and Jacinta Bohan, 58, who disappeared after hiking at Mount Buffalo on Friday were found by a kayaker just after 11am at Buffalo River.
After being reunited with family, the couple was taken to hospital as a precaution and then spoke to media outside this afternoon.
Despite being lost and enduring frosty overnight conditions, Mr Salvado said the past four days had been “serenity”.
“It was lovely,” he told a bemused press pack, saying he and his wife — who are experienced hikers — were confident they would be fine.
“We were sensible. We kept calm and rational. That’s what helped us out.
“We knew we weren’t far away from people and help but we had about a 250-foot drop in front of us. It took a few days to work out if we could get down there and then decide, yep, we’ll walk out.”
Ms Bohan said they could hear the sound of people in the distance yesterday — a speed boat and a helicopter — and knew that help was near.
“We knew that people were probably really worried that we’re injured and yet we weren’t. It wasn’t great but we were comfortable.”
Police and SES crews scour rugged terrain in Mount Buffalo as they search for missing Melbourne couple, Trevor Salvado and Jacinta Bohan. Picture: Sarah Matray Source:News Corp Australia
The discovery comes after emergency agencies significantly expanded the search for the experienced hikers, with a team of 150 searchers involving CFA, police, SES, bush search and rescue crews, and dogs.
Victorian Bush Search and Rescue spokesman Peter Campbell earlier today said teams were revisiting parts of the rugged terrain and venturing further out in case the duo wandered off a track.
Essendon couple Trevor Salvado and Jacinda Bohan were missing for four days. Picture: AAPSource:AAP
