Missing Kayaker Found Unharmed After Overnight Search Near Adelaide
A 73-year-old fisherman, Goran Radic, has been miraculously found uninjured after he failed to return from a solo kayaking trip in waters north of Adelaide. Family members raised the alarm just after 11pm on Tuesday when he did not make it back from Middle Beach in the Gulf St Vincent area.
Wide-Scale Search and Rescue Operation
A wide-scale search was launched overnight, involving helicopters and local authorities, but initially failed to find any trace of him. The search continued into the early hours, with rescue helicopters scanning the area multiple times.
Mr Radic was eventually winched to safety by helicopter at approximately 8.30am on Wednesday. He was assessed by paramedics at the scene and found to be completely unharmed, with no injuries reported from his ordeal.
Survival and Calm Demeanor
In an interview with 9News, Mr Radic shared his experience, stating, 'I didn't panic, I was alright.' He survived the night by snacking on the supplies he had packed for his trip, demonstrating remarkable composure in a stressful situation.
He recounted seeing rescue helicopters during the night, but they missed his location. 'I've seen rescue helicopters sometime in the night and they missed me, so I decided to go to St Kilda to try there, I saw light there. But didn't find it, so I kayaked back and they found me this morning.'
Family Reaction and Local Assistance
Mr Radic joked about potential trouble at home, telling reporters, 'Well, [my wife is] happy I'm alive alright, but not happy with what happened.' His family had been anxiously awaiting news after reporting him missing.
It is understood that a local resident spotted Mr Radic in the mangroves near the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, about 2km south of Middle Beach. This crucial sighting helped guide the final stages of the search efforts.
Police Statement and Recovery Efforts
South Australian Police confirmed that his kayak would be recovered from the area. In a statement, they expressed gratitude, saying, 'Police wish to thank the public for their assistance in this matter, particularly people familiar with the kayaker who helped guide search efforts.'
The successful rescue highlights the importance of community involvement and coordinated emergency responses in such incidents. Authorities have not released further details on the cause of the mishap, but the outcome is being celebrated as a positive resolution to a potentially dangerous situation.
