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Missing man Nigel Buck found after 20-mile trek in Kimberley heat

Vaseline August 24, 2024

A man who was missing for four nights in the remote Kimberley outback traveled more than 30 kilometres (20 miles) in harsh conditions and scorching heat before he was found, according to police in Western Australia.

Nigel Graeme Buck was found by police at around 6.30am on Saturday on the edge of Yungngora Community, approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Fitzroy Crossing.

The 41-year-old man became lost after leaving his home around 11 p.m. on August 20.

A man in a fisherman's shirt looks at the camera — Mr Buck was found on Saturday and has since been flown to Broome Regional Hospital for medical evaluation. (Supplied: WA Police)

Western Australia police said Mr Buck is believed to have walked more than 30 kilometres before attempting to return home.

Kimberley Police Chief Steve Thompson said Mr Buck was dehydrated but in good condition.

“He is hungry and tired, but he is now being attended to by medical staff,” he said.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service flew Mr Buck to hospital in Broome around midday on Saturday for further medical checks.

Helicopter in the distance with police car in the foreground — Western Australia police have hired a helicopter to assist in the search for the missing 41-year-old. (Supplied: WA Police)

According to Supervisor Thompson, the entire community and search teams were relieved to have found Mr. Buck, given the challenging topography and complex conditions.

“I share the relief with the family and the community,” he said.

“There’s a river, there’s an overhanging canopy that makes the search difficult, there’s rugged terrain, there’s remote trails… really challenging and really difficult.”

Aerial view of riverbed and trees in a vast landscape — Aerial footage of the search for Mr Buck, who went missing from his home in the remote Yungngora Community, near Fitzroy Crossing. (Supplied: WA Police)

The maximum temperature in nearby Fitzroy Crossing peaked at 38.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

Western Australia police say it is too early to say whether Mr Buck found food or water during the three-day ordeal.

“He was relieved when we got him, very relieved to be back with his family,” said Superintendent Thompson.

“We’re going to talk to him and see how he’s doing and how he got here.”

Police Minister Praises Officers

The extensive police response involved officers from four Kimberley towns, the deployment of a drone, a helicopter, State Emergency Service personnel, specialist search and rescue personnel and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Challenger aircraft.

Western Australia Police Minister Paul Papalia called it “great news” that Mr Buck was found alive.

“They (the police) have put a lot of effort into this,” he said.

Close-up of police officer wearing hat — Chief Inspector Thompson says he is relieved that Mr Buck has been found safe and well. (ABC Kimberley: Esse Deves)

“They had jets, they had drones, they had police from all over the West Kimberley. It’s fantastic to see a good outcome.”

Chief Inspector Thompson particularly praised the officers from the Looma Police Station who remained at the search scene since Mr Buck’s family reported him missing.

“They wanted to stay with their family and see this through to the end,” he said.

“That shows how much of a connection our police have with those remote communities.”