James Simpson’s miraculous survival after multi-agency four-day search

The 87-year-old went missing from a St Georges Basin retirement village about 5.30am on January 21 and was found, alive and well, although a bit dehydrated by search crews four days later.

A huge search by numerous emergency services including a strong community effort located Mr Simpson approximately 1.8 kilometres away (on Gumden Lane) from his last known location. He was found by crews from the Dapto RFS about five metres into bush.

Mr Simpson was found in scrub, partially shaded by overgrowth and trees, which may explain how he survived the high temperatures the area experienced while he was missing.

He was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics for dehydration and exposure and taken to Shoalhaven District Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Captain Tait said the search had the best possible outcome.

“It was a very good outcome. Pretty incredible really,” she said.

“To see him found and then smiling and giving the thumbs up was special. It was one of those moments you have to be there for.”

She admitted heading into Tuesday after Mr Simpson had been out in the elements for three nights and daytime temperatures had reached the mid to high-30s, searchers were starting to fear the worse.

“We weren’t going to give up, we were just going to keep looking,” she said.

“It was a great feeling when James was found. The whole community rallied behind this effort and it was a great result for them as well.”

As well as hundreds of emergency services volunteers who took part in the search, Captain Tait said the community effort was remarkable,

“Everyone rallied. We had whole families out searching - mum, dad and the kids all out walking around helping in the search to find James,” she said.

“It was incredible to see how the community reacted. Random people just came out to help.”

Captain Tait thanked all the members who assisted in the search over the four days.

“We really appreciate all the time that has been given to assist with the search effort. Words cannot express how grateful we are for all the support and level of professionalism showed by all members assisting with the search,” she said.

She praised the numerous RFS brigades who assisted with the search - Basin View, Crossroads, Shoalhaven Heads, Cambewarra, Culburra Beach, Callala Bay, Callala Beach, Huskisson, Sussex Inlet, Broughton Vale - Berry, Currarong, Illaroo Road/West Nowra, Greenwell Point, Potato Point, Dalmeny-Kianga, Bodalla, Narooma, Tuross Head, Falls Creek, Bawley Point, Dapto, Dunmore, Cudmirrah, Stanwell Park, Conjola, Bingie, Milton, Farmborough Heights, Tomerong, Cooma Monaro Trail Bike Team as well as NSW Rural Fire Service Shoalhaven for all the support including transport brigade and the members who assisted with all the prep work of maps.

“Working alongside the NSW SES St Georges Basin Unit was a pleasure as well as the other SES units from, Batemans Bay, Ulladulla, Nowra, Kiama, Coniston, Shellharbour, Wollongong,” she said.

“And of course NSW Police and NSW Ambulance Service.”

Marine Rescue, along with the Westpac Lifesaver 23 helicopter and Maritime services also took part in the search.

Police thanked the media, volunteers and the public for their assistance, however Captain Tait questioned the support of some Sydney media.

“We were door knocking the area and that’s where we gained some information on sightings but some people didn’t realise he was even missing,” she said.

“Our Basin RFS Facebook page received 115,000 hits but some mainstream television media didn’t really pick it up and get the information out there, despite being contacted.

“If it was a child missing it would have been plastered everywhere. I was a bit disappointed in the TV media for not picking it up and running with it.

“That exposure could have been a huge help and who knows may have led to James actually being found sooner.”

Police will give Mr Simpson a few days with his family to recover before speaking to him about his ordeal.