Missing Kayaker Found Alive After Night Trapped in Adelaide Mangroves
A missing kayaker has been located alive after spending an entire night trapped within dense mangrove forests north of Adelaide. Police rescue crews successfully found 73-year-old Goran Radic at approximately 9am on Wednesday, following an intensive overnight search operation conducted at Middle Beach, situated about 40 kilometres north of Adelaide.
Exhausting Ordeal and Dramatic Rescue
An ambulance was stationed at the nearby boat ramp as a rescue helicopter carefully touched down on a sandbar to reach the stranded kayaker. Radic, appearing exhausted but visibly relieved, was assisted back onto dry land by emergency personnel. Reflecting on his misadventure, Radic explained to 7NEWS, "I just missed the entrance to the channel." His primary complaint about the harrowing experience? "Too many mozzies."
Despite the ordeal, Radic was found uninjured and was permitted to return home after receiving medical attention. He had embarked on his kayaking trip around 9am on Tuesday, a decision that surprised local residents who considered the conditions unusual for such an activity.
Community Concern and Major Search Operation
Local resident Christine expressed her astonishment, stating, "I thought it was just an odd day to be going out crabbing at that age on a kiddy's type kayak." When Radic failed to return home, his family raised the alarm at 11pm, triggering a substantial search effort involving multiple agencies.
The search operation included a police helicopter, divers, and a sea rescue hovercraft. Kevin Dixon highlighted the challenges faced by rescuers, noting, "The helicopter can't see through the mangrove canopy, but the hovercraft can go along and look underneath." Radic reported spotting the helicopter during the night, but the thick vegetation prevented rescuers from locating him initially.
Successful Discovery and Emotional Reunion
At first light, the search resumed with renewed vigour, and this time crews successfully located Radic wedged deep within the mangroves. After being assessed by paramedics, Radic immediately phoned his relieved wife before being cleared to head home. He shared, "She's happy I'm alive and not happy what happened." Expressing his gratitude, Radic added, "I feel good and grateful to people who rescued me."
Remarkably, despite the frightening experience, Radic confirmed to 7NEWS that he has no intentions of abandoning his passion for fishing and crabbing from his kayak. The successful rescue underscores the effectiveness of coordinated emergency response efforts in challenging environmental conditions.
