Contact lens fluid saved backpacker in Australia
A TEENAGE British backpacker who went missing in the Australian Outback for more than three days survived by drinking contact lens solution, it emerged yesterday.
Samuel Woodhead, 18, vanished from a remote cattle station in Queensland on Tuesday when he went for a jog. But the chance discovery of packets of lenses in his rucksack sustained him in the scorching heat.
The gap year teenager was found at night, 15 miles from Upshot Station ranch near Longreach.
This has been a true nightmare. I’d like to thank everyone who joined in the search. He owes his life to them
His relieved mother Claire, 54, who flew out to assist the search, described how her son survived in the 40C heat. She said: “His father had packed contact lenses in his rucksack and he’d forgotten to take them out.
"He’s literally lived on the fluid for three nights.”
Sam, from Richmond upon Thames, London, was taken to hospital for a check-up.
But his delighted sister Rebecca, 21, said his injuries were no worse than “minor sunstroke and dehydration”.
Sam’s 62-year-old father Peter broke down and said: “This has been a true nightmare. I’d like to thank everyone who joined in the search. He owes his life to them.”
Rescue pilot Alex Dorr said the region was “harsh and unforgiving”.