A camper who went missing was discovered alive after a frantic nine-day search, expressing relief at being found. Troy Milne disappeared on Tuesday, October 7, from his campsite at Woodside Beach near Melbourne while out to get supplies. Concerns arose due to his diabetes and the possibility of a medical emergency in the wilderness. Surveillance footage showed him at a service station looking disoriented.
After a widespread search in Victoria, Troy was located on October 16 by Forest Fire Management Victoria staff near Kirby Cross Track, more than 200km away from his initial location. Found next to his stranded vehicle, Troy had lit a fire to signal for help. Despite being without insulin for a week, he survived by drinking water and lighting a fire to attract rescuers.
Troy was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, where he was found to be in good condition. Officials praised the successful rescue, attributing Troy’s disorientation to the lack of medication. Inspector Wayne Rothwell highlighted the challenge of locating Troy in a vast area but credited the fire for aiding in his swift discovery.