Dr. Chen Au Peh then walked 70km in 18 hours.
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Dr. Chen Au Peh’s plane, where it landed — and got stuck — in Lake Eyre, in the state's Far North.
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An Adelaide doctor suffering food poisoning says he feared he “wouldn’t make it” after his plane became bogged in Lake Eyre — but walked 70km in 18 hours in an extraordinary tale of survival.
Dr. Chen Au Peh, a kidney specialist, bogged his light plane after he was forced to land about 2km from the lake edge after food poisoning symptoms struck on Saturday afternoon.
He had stopped for a meal at Coober Pedy, before flying east about 160km where he refuelled filled up at Williams Creek on the western edge of the 9500sq km salt lake.
Dr. Peh was forced to land shortly after takeoff after suffering excruciating pain.
The Royal Adelaide Hospital renal specialist said he walked 70km through the night to find help before flagging down a motorist who came to his rescue.
He told The Advertiser on Sunday night that he was fortunate to survive the ordeal.
“There were a few quiet moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it and I could not call my wife,” he said.
“I am pretty tired. I’m looking forward to a well-earned meal. I have not had any sleep for 24 hours and I’m pretty lucky to be alive.”
Dr. Peh said his precarious position was made even worse because the area had no phone coverage and he was unable to call for help.
“I was sad I could not call my wife to let her know I was in trouble,” he said.
Dr. Peh said he had only a small wattle bottle that he was able to fill up at a creek he came across during his journey.
Pilot Trevor Wright, founder of Wrightsair in William Creek, helped find the plane after Dr. Peh’s rescue.
“It is a remarkable story, really. To walk 70km and survive,” said.
Dr. Peh stayed Sunday night at William Creek and intends to return home to Adelaide on Monday, to be back at work on Tuesday.
In January, two men became stranded in SA’s Far North after their light plane’s single engine failed during a scenic flight over Lake Eyre. They were eventually rescued after burning a tire.
Original article can be found here: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au
You are so lucky to be alive. All your patients need your wisdom of this near death experience. What a gift!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely true.
ReplyDeleteAlthough dialysis extends life for a few years. The time will come when it doesn't work any more.
Having had this experience of almost dying, it is invaluable in preparing diaysis patients and their families for the inevitable. Call it a Gift from God. Using this to make good in preparing these vulnerable people for tbe process of grief, loss and death. For the families and loved ones left behind, the grief lasts a life time. Nothing prepares them for this.
How beautiful. We are given life events and experiences, no matter how traumatic, to learn lessons from. Then using what we've learnt to help others. You must be a brilliant nephrogist Dr Peh. Your patients must be fortunate to have you as their doctor. Their loved ones also lucky.
ReplyDelete"I am so sorry for your loss."
ReplyDeletePrecious words of acknowledgement and respect for the family bereft.
A strong man to survive such an ordeal.
ReplyDelete