A KANGAROO Flat man was found safe and sound in Hepburn Springs’ main street yesterday, after dozens of rescuers spent more than 12 hours looking for him in rugged bushland.
The 28-year-old went missing on Saturday night when he walked away from a group of six friends who were camping at Bryces Flat picnic spot near Hepburn Springs.
Police were called at 11pm when his friends became concerned. He was wearing just a t-shirt and jeans.
The man had been drinking before he went missing, according to police.
SES rescuers and police searched through the night to find him, but were unsuccessful as they battled wet and cold conditions.
The search resumed yesterday morning, when police crews from Daylesford, Trentham, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Gordon, Clunes, Buninyong and Ballarat joined in the search.
Four wheel drives and trail bikes were also used in the attempted rescue.
With the help of the canine squad from Melbourne and SES rescuers, they scoured the wilderness in search of the man.
He was eventually found by a Hepburn Springs local, who drove him into town where he was located by police about 1pm.
Sergeant Robert Pama from Daylesford Police said there were genuine concerns for the man’s safety, especially considering how he was dressed.
It was believed he had fallen into a small creek and was soaking wet in the chilly conditions.
“There was also a bit of worry as to what he could fall into,” Sergeant Pama said.
“It’s pretty rough stuff out there so it made the search hard but also meant there was a real danger for him. Our main concern was his attire because he was not dressed well enough.
“It was a good result in the end though.”
Sergeant Pama said the man was in sound physical condition, but was disoriented and dazed when police found him.
