The Ordeal
Marissa Gee, a 33-year-old hiker, has been found alive and well in the dense bushlands of Mt Wilson in the Blue Mountains, nearly a week after she went missing while on a solo hike.
The incredible rescue effort came to an end at 2:30 pm today, when a Rural Fire Service helicopter spotted Gee, who was then winched to safety by a rescue helicopter.
A Week of Anxiety
Gee was first reported missing on Friday, December 13, when she failed to make contact with her loved ones. Her car was located on Galwey Lane at Mt Wilson the following day, sparking a massive search operation involving over 50 volunteers from SES, the Rural Fire Service, and NSW Police.
The Search Intensifies
Search crews combed through the bushlands, scouring the terrain for any sign of Gee. Her tent was discovered earlier this week, but there was no sign of the missing hiker. As the days went by, concerns for Gee’s safety grew, but the determined rescue teams refused to give up.
A Heroic Rescue
Today, their efforts paid off. Gee was found with minor injuries and dehydration, but otherwise “alive and well.” She was airlifted to Nepean Hospital for treatment, where she is receiving medical attention for her scrapes and bruises.
The Investigation
Inspector Dave Graham from the NSW Blue Mountains area command revealed that Gee had become “lost” and “disoriented” in the bushlands. “At the moment, we are running on the view that she was lost… she survived by accessing water sources,” Graham said. Gee had been wandering in the bushland during the major search operation, and crews were “confident” that she came as close as 250 meters from rescue teams over the six days she was missing.
A Grateful Survivor
Gee has expressed her gratitude for the rescue and the efforts of the volunteers who worked tirelessly to find her. As she recovers in hospital, her ordeal serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and safety when venturing into the great outdoors.
A Close Call
In a remarkable twist, it was revealed that Gee had been just 400m from a fire trail when she was found, and had come within 250m of rescue teams during the search operation. Her rescue is a testament to the tireless efforts of the emergency services and the power of community spirit.