Man found alive after two weeks stranded in outback during 40C temperatures

‘I don’t know if this is unprecedented but if you believe in miracles, I’m saying it’s a miracle,’ said police

Phu Tran, 40, survived the outback after being stranded for nearly two weeks (NT Police)

An Australian man has become the second person to survive the outback in what police are calling a “miracle”.

Phu Tran, 40, was found by a local farmer at a cattle station near Alice Springs after going missing for two weeks.

Mr Tran had been hiking with Tamra McBeath-Riley, 52, and her partner Claire Hockridge, 46, when their car became bogged down in soft desert roads.

The trio stayed near the car for about a week, surviving on groundwater and packets of biscuits, vodka drinks, and noodles they had brought on their trip.

When their food and water began to run out, Mr Tran and Ms Hockridge went to find help.

Ms McBeath-Riley was found three days ago, about 1.5km (0.9 miles) from the car with their dog Raya.

Superintendent Pauline Vicary told local media that Mr Tran is in “good condition” and will be treated for heat exposure in hospital.

“He was slightly disoriented… but other than that he was in good condition,” he said. “I don’t know if this is unprecedented but if you believe in miracles, I’m saying it’s a miracle.”

Both Mr Tran and Ms McBeath-Riley survived by finding a watering hole used by cattle. Temperatures have risen to 40C in recent days.

According to The Australian, Mr Tran and Ms Hockridge were separated while following a boundary fence, but she was last seen two days ago with over a litre of water.

It is not immediately clear why they were separated.

Police are continuing the search for Ms Hockridge based on Mr Tran’s account, which has narrowed the search area.