Bridge Doolan, along with her partner and their two children, aged 21 and 6, faced a harrowing ordeal after their vehicle became stranded in floodwaters on a remote section of Mount Dare Road while travelling from Oodnadatta to Finke. After spending two nights in their car, they decided to embark on foot in search of help on the third day. Doolan described their experience as frightening but underlined their faith, stating they kept praying for assistance, which eventually arrived.
The family was located by a rescue plane on Sunday, with images showing one family member waving desperately to alert the search crew above. As immediate rescue was hindered by the severe flooding conditions, the search team parachuted down supplies and a satellite phone to aid the stranded family.
Following another challenging night in the elements, they were successfully rescued by helicopter on Monday morning. The family is now recuperating in Coober Pedy and expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their effective response that ensured their safe return. Police Commissioner Grant Stevens advised against abandoning vehicles in such situations, citing that it complicates search operations.