In a remarkable rescue story, Matilda Campbell, a young woman hiking in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, found herself trapped upside down for over seven hours after slipping between two boulders while trying to retrieve her mobile phone. The incident occurred earlier this month, leading to a complex operation involving emergency services as they worked to free her from the three-meter crevice.
Matilda’s ordeal began when she lost her phone and, in a moment of distraction, slipped into a precarious position. Her friends attempted to help her, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and it wasn’t long before they called for professional assistance. When paramedics arrived, they faced the daunting task of moving large boulders to create enough space for her rescue. Paramedic Peter Watts described the scene as unlike anything he had encountered in his decade-long career, noting both the challenges and the rewarding nature of the operation.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly, eventually managing to winch a massive 500-kilogram rock out of the way. However, the biggest challenge was extricating Matilda from the unusual “S” bend she had become wedged in. Remarkably, after hours of careful maneuvering, they were able to free her with only minor scratches and bruises. Photos shared by the NSW Ambulance service illustrated the delicate operation, showing Matilda suspended between the boulders by her feet as rescuers stabilized the area around her.
Though she did not manage to recover her phone, Matilda expressed immense gratitude to the rescue team in a heartfelt message online, stating, “Thank you to the team who saved me; you guys are literally lifesavers. Too bad about the phone, though.” Her story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of outdoor adventures and the resilience of those who find themselves in challenging situations.
