Teenager Finds Own Way Out of Rainforest

The missing British backpacker, Louise Saunders who went missing in north Queensland has been found safe and well, Australian police reported last night.

The discovery of the 19-year-old from Kidderminster, Worcestershire at 9.30am local time, ends a search that began when she disappeared after setting out to hike to the top of Mount Tyson, overlooking the town of Tully, on Tuesday morning.

A spokeman for Queenland Police Service said Ms Saunders had found her way out of the dense rainforest and walked to a nearby rubbish dump, where she found help.

Tracey Nelson, spokeswoman for Queensland Police Service, said, "Louise has found her way out of the thick bush after wandering through the harsh terrain for around four days.

"She has been taken to the hospital in Tully for treatment. She's got some minor scratches and bruises and is apparently in good spirits."

Last night Louise's family was celebrating in Kidderminster. Her mother, Liz, said, "It's been the worst time of my life. You never experience anything like this. It's just amazing news.

"I knew it would be tonight, I knew they would find her safe and well tonight."

She said she had already spoken to her daughter and was waiting for her to call again.

"We've spoken to her. She's got sore feet and scratches. She didn't know what all the fuss was about, but she's really fine.

Around 70 people including Aboriginal trackers, police, and state emergency services, were taking part in the search for Ms Saunders.

Louise was reported missing by her friend Joanne Woodward late on Tuesday when she failed to return from the 660 metre Mount Tyson. She was last seen that morning walking alone on a track at the summit.

Rescue helicopters from Townsville and Cairns scoured the area with infra-red equipment after dropping rescuers on to the mountain

A local newspaper reported that a message had been found in red pen from Louise to her boyfriend.

The Queensland-based Courier Mail said a message found on a tree read: "Louise S loves Steven W for eva" and was illustrated with a heart symbol.

Earlier Mrs Saunders said police had told her that Louise's name had been found written on a rock.

"She brought a pen and signed her name on a rock on Mount Tyson, which is something all backpackers do," she said.

The trainee beauty therapist had set out to climb the mountain wearing a white T-shirt, pink shorts and navy blue trainers.

Detectives established that the teenager had bought provisions at a store before setting out to climb the mountain. Aboriginal trackers found signs of where she had rested and a banana skin she was believed to have left.

She had been taking a gap year in Australia since June. Like many backpackers she visited Tully for work picking bananas on the local plantations and for whitewater rafting on the Tully river.

Ms Saunders is short-sighted and had broken her glasses before setting off, adding to fears she could have become lost.

Witnesses last saw her on her way to the start of the Mount Tyson walking track, and the fact she was carrying food and drink had raised hopes that she would have been able to sustain herself since going missing.

But after more than 36 hours police were growing increasingly worried that no members of the search party had heard her calling.

The path to Mount Tully's peak leads through a mossy gorge and passes over several steep precipices, and investigators were concerned she had fallen and concussed herself.

Off the path, the mountain is only considered suitable for experienced bushwalkers. The steep slope is pitted with rocks and crevices, and the search parties were preparing for a thorough check for signs she had fallen down between rocks.

About six people go missing while hiking in north Queensland every year.

Kay Mott, of the local backpackers' hostel, the Savoy, said the mountain path was known to be treacherous, although no one had previously been missing as long as Ms Saunders.

"There's a good view from the top, but people often get a bit lost coming down, she said.

"It's very easy to veer off the track and get lost. Quite often you will have someone spending the night on the mountain, but not this long."