Woman survives 17 days in Australian rainforest
A mother-of-three who went missing in the Australian rainforest for 17 days has been found - after surviving crocodiles, giant birds, and dehydration.
Shannon Fraser, 30, a former cancer patient, was spotted stumbling out of the wilderness in northern Queensland by a banana farmer at 8am on Wednesday morning.
She was covered in scratches and insect bites, as well as suffering with third-degree sunburn. She had also lost 2 st 7lb.
According to the Metro, she had become separated from fiancé Heath Cassady at a popular swimming spot near Mt Bartle Frere on 21 September. It is believed she took a wrong turn and then became disoriented.
A huge search operation involving 25 officers from the police and emergency services was launched.
Officers searched the area on foot and quad bikes, and divers searched the water.
According to the BBC, search teams dropped colour markers, which Ms Fraser eventually managed to follow out of the jungle.
Family members told press that she had survived by drinking creek water, and eating raw fish and insects.
She also had to fend off wild animals, saying she was chased by a two-metre freshwater crocodile and a cassowary bird.
Ms Fraser is currently resting in hospital and her brother Dylan said she would not be speaking to the press until she was well enough.
He told the Courier Mail: "She's still in shock and traumatised.
"Shannon won't be speaking publicly to anyone until she is feeling well enough.
"Doctors are still very worried about her physical and mental state after such a hectic ordeal."
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