Two Jack Russells lead rescuers to missing elderly owner's location
An elderly Queensland man's two dogs have been hailed the heroes of a multi-day search party after leading rescuers to their owner's location.
David John Grimes, an 86-year-old man from Penwhaupell, in central Queensland's North Burnett region, had been missing for two days before he was found, covered in rocks and partially submerged in water.
The man had gone for a walk in bushland near his home with his two Jack Russell terriers on Monday afternoon.
David Grimes went missing after walking his dogs near bushland in his home, near Bundaberg. Queensland Police
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When he didn't return that night, his family sounded the alarm.
During the two nights Grimes was missing, temperatures dropped to below 10 degrees, sparking serious concerns for his safety.
Search parties were conducted from land and air, using a Bundaberg rescue chopper, SES crews and police divers.
Family, aided by volunteers on quad bikes and horses, helped emergency services survey the terrain.
The man's two Jack Russell terriers alerted the search party of the man's location. Queensland Police
It was Grimes' two dogs that eventually led the search party to the man on Wednesday.
The two dogs were found when they started barking at a volunteer's horse.
"The searchers realised the pets belonged to the missing man, prompting them to thoroughly search the immediate area," a spokesperson from RACQ Lifeflight said.
"They found him obscured by rocks and partly submerged in water."
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SES crews, police divers, a rescue chopper and volunteers on quad bikes and horseback all assisted with the search. RACQ Lifeflight
The man was treated by paramedics for hypothermia and airlifted to Bundaberg Hospital. Courtest of RACQ Lifeflight
It's believed Grimes had fallen during his walk and became covered in debris.
Rescuers said the man had been "extremely difficult to spot", adding without the help of the dogs, he may not have been found.
The rescue chopper, tasked by police to help with the search, landed nearby.
The Queensland Ambulance Service and flight paramedic treated the man for hypothermia.
He was flown to Bundaberg Hospital for treatment.
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