Miraculous Rescue: Missing Man Paul Kearns Found After Four Days Lost in Dense Bushland!

Missing man Paul Kearns has been located in bushland near the Burrum River after an extensive search. Authorities believe he managed to survive by consuming rainwater collected in puddles and remained without food during his time gone.

P24 News Media

December 20, 2024

1 minute

Miraculous Rescue: Missing Man Paul Kearns Found After Four Days Lost in Dense Bushland!

India

A 77-year-old man who had been missing since Monday in Queensland has been found alive, an event that local authorities are describing as a "Christmas miracle." The man, Paul Kearns, and his wife were enjoying a stay in the coastal village of Burrum Heads, situated approximately four hours north of Brisbane, when his family reported him missing earlier this week.

For four days, search teams combed through the area, contending with heavy rainfall and high humidity. On Friday, law enforcement confirmed that Mr. Kearns had been located about eight kilometers from his last known location. Area Inspector Paul Algie from the Maryborough Patrol Group expressed astonishment at the news, stating, "The fact that Mr. Kearns was found alive this morning is nothing short of a Christmas miracle." He further emphasized the difficulties Mr. Kearns faced in surviving without food or water in the bushland under such harsh weather conditions.

Upon his discovery, Mr. Kearns was promptly taken to Hervey Bay Hospital for evaluation and treatment, where he continues to be monitored by medical professionals. Due to the nature of his injuries, authorities indicated that he was not yet in a position to communicate or confirm whether he had consumed any food during his ordeal. However, Inspector Algie suggested that Mr. Kearns may have found ways to hydrate himself, potentially drinking from puddles or harnessing rainwater directly.

The search for Mr. Kearns involved a coordinated effort from multiple agencies, including thirty members of the State Emergency Services, ten specialized Queensland Police personnel, and thirty troops from the Australian Defence Force. In addition to these resources, hundreds of community volunteers came forward to assist in the search. It was ultimately a passerby out for a morning walk who stumbled upon Mr. Kearns shortly after 7 a.m. on Friday, leading to his rescue.

Inspector Algie provided further details, stating that Mr. Kearns was found near a fallen tree and appeared to be in poor health and dehydrated. The area where he was located posed significant challenges for emergency responders, who struggled to reach him due to boggy conditions. Once they reached him, Mr. Kearns was carried three kilometers on a stretcher before being reunited with his worried family at the hospital.

Greg Kearns, the nephew of Mr. Kearns, shared his relief upon hearing the news of his uncle's survival, noting that despite the circumstances, Mr. Kearns was doing relatively well. "He's in surprisingly good condition considering he's been out in the weather since Monday afternoon," he remarked, adding that hospital staff were taken aback by his uncle's resilience.

Greg Kearns also highlighted the immense support his family has received during this challenging time, particularly on social media. He described the emotional rollercoaster that the family experienced throughout the search. "We as a family can't thank the local community, the police, and the emergency services enough for their help," he stated, expressing gratitude for their efforts, which he believes changed the outcome of the situation immensely.