Rescue efforts are underway after a family of four became stranded in outback South Australia over the weekend.
Perth-based Ori and Lindsey Zavros and their two children were travelling through the Simpson Desert on their way home for Christmas when their campervan became heavily bogged by torrential rain.
South Australian police told ABC News the family activated an emergency beacon on Friday morning and alerted authorities of their whereabouts.
On Saturday, police said the family were safe and well, but could face a long wait before they can get moving again, as the surrounding area is still partly submerged by floodwaters.
Graham Scott, who owns Mt Dare Hotel about 80 kilometres from where the family became stuck, told ABC News it could take at least one week, if not several, for the road to become accessible.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is working with police to rescue the family and airdropped them water and a satellite phone on Saturday, with plans to drop off more supplies yesterday.
“Coordination of the rescue is with SA Police, who are maintaining ongoing contact with the stranded vehicle and are assessing rescue options for a ground response,” a spokeswoman for AMSA told ABC News.
“Due to the road conditions and remote area, this is proving difficult and SA Police have now requested a supply drop to the family.
“The AMSA Response Centre has contacted the family to confirm food supplies that are needed.”
The family have been travelling around the country in a customised campervan since November last year, visiting Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.
On 5 November, they said on social media they would return to Perth for Christmas.
Featured image source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority via ABC News
