A husband and wife have survived almost 24 hours stranded in the middle of nowhere in almost freezing conditions.
Joerg and Sandy Hellwig’s new Toyota Land Cruiser was destroyed.
The couple was left with only a satellite phone, emergency supplies and the clothes on their backs.
“The flames came underneath the car, I grabbed a water bottle and tried to do something … but had no chance,” Mr Hellwig said.
The Queensland couple was travelling along the Talawana Track about 500 kilometres east of Newman when their expedition was cut short on Monday morning.
“I got a warning light on the dashboard saying I’ve got water in the fuel filter and that I should check the manual,” Mr Hellwig said.
The pair called for help before settling in for a night of almost freezing conditions, with the temperature dropping to just 2C.
“My wife said, ‘darling I’ve always wanted to sleep under the stars in the desert’,” Mr Hellwig said.
“I haven’t seen it quite that romantic. I thought it was bloody cold.”
Gavin Radice from WA Police said the rescue mission was “tricky” however the couple was well prepared.
“They had a satellite phone and were able to contact the authorities,” Radice said.
Police flew four hours from Newman in an ambulance helicopter to reach the stranded couple the following morning before they returned the duo safely to the mining town.
The couple is back in Perth recovering before they head home to Bundaberg.
“Very lucky … very lucky to be alive,” Mr Hellwig said.
