In this video, I decided to tell Ricky's story as he did in his book. I know many question his story, and I can understand. The story leading up to the ordeal in the outback does seem far fetched. But what's undeniable is he had to survive 71 days in the Outback which was an amazing feat and his will to survive and think on his feet kept him alive. If you haven't yet, please subscribe by clicking here: th-cam.com/channels/srtvSjgVg8QgRJzysB55xA.html
@Outdoor Disasters, Thank You! Btw have you ever read the book Alive about the Rugby team who were stranded on the Andes Mountains after their plane crashed? Would you consider doing a video about that if you have?
@@timberdaniels7317 One of my favorite books. And the movie is pretty damn good too. I have considered doing them, but there's countless videos on their story. I think most people know the story of the rugby team. But it's not out of the question, because I know the story really well.
I met a 40 year old women in outback Queensland that drove a lot for her cattle station alone, she carried a rifle, pistol and knife and never stopped for anyone!
@@mattburnett4185I know a guy in the North of Australia who drives around with an AK-47 in the back of his Hilux just for such a scenario. It’s against the law in this country, but I won’t tell. In fact, I had the pleasure of helping him empty a case of bullets that were close to end of shelf life.
Only found this channel yesterday while down with a bad bout of food poisoning, ended up binge watching the entire channel, fantastic stories i'm amazed i've never heard of before, keep these great stories coming! 🙌🙌
Aussie here. I don't recall that incident in the news at the time. Thanks for doing the video. I lived in Outback WA back 11 years ago and loved it. This was about 4 hours north of Kalgoorlie past the end of the sealed road.
@Upgraydez Agree. It sounds like utter BS to me too. More likely he set off without the essentials and had to invent a story to avoid being knocked for being an over confident and reckless dickwit.
@@AlphaGeekgirl I can tell you a story doing the rounds in the Army in the 1990s. There was a joint Army exercise in Northern Australia and at one stage, an Aussie soldier resting with his platoon in the bush, when told an American patrol was approaching, took the rechargeable electric razor from his bag, plugged the charge cord into a close by gum tree, and commenced shaving, Yanks came along, stopped to have a chat with the Aussies. One of them asked the shaving guy what he was doing. Aussie replied, having a shave. Yank responded - how are you getting electricity, how is that possible in the forest? Aussie responded, this is an electric gum tree, we get free electricity from it. Yank and his mates did not question the Aussie, and apparently believed the Aussie! God Damn!
I remember this story from 2006. It was so phenomenal of a survival story, it made its way to the United States. Ricky is a survivor! Thank you as always Outdoor Disasters👍
I was wondering why the police wouldn't believe him after all he had gone through . One commenter mentioned something about him being a known drug addict . So I'm wondering if he crashed the car because he was high and if it's possible he made up the story about aboriginals but ... ... read some of the comments were people talk about some rogue aboriginals being known to do this and how dangerous they can be . But I do believe he was lost , stranded out there and starving to death ... and that if those people hadn't found him he definitely would have died .
Under these circumstances, I'd be more prone to keep my distance from strangers and simply communicate to them that I would send help for them as soon as I could. Sometimes you can help someone without putting yourself at risk.
Yep, totally agree. Once I was driving on a road that wasn't used much way out in the country with no houses anywhere. There was a car in the middle of the road and a man was standing next to it, I had to stop because I couldn't get around him without coming very close to him, so I stopped far back from his car. He began walking toward me and I yelled out my window for him to stop approaching my car and asked what he wanted. He wanted a ride and had no phone to call for help, he said his car was broke down. No way was I going to let this guy near me, so I told him to give me a number and I'd call for help. I also told him to stand far into the woods so I could pass him or else I would reverse quick away. He shouted out the number and I made the call for him. He walked into the woods and I drove quickly past his car. It's right to help strangers in need just make sure you do it safely.
@@traciw.6044 no shit especially if you're unarmed and female! Funny when I had my Corvette whenever I broke down even girls would stop and offer assistance! I guess they figured anyone with a Corvette had to be alright. I was better looking back then too! Lol!
This is an Amazing story so glad you made it through these long 71 days. You did great getting through. Also God was hearing your prayers and watching over you. God Bless you! Enjoy your life!
The fact that this happened to him is terrible, but also it will affect people who really need help, and won't be helped because of criminals like these!! No one will dare to stop anymore.
@@ivypoison6806you don't know them. They might really need help. At least call for police. Don't ever just let anyone potentially helpless in the wilderness. You don't have to stop yourself, sure, but don't be so cynical to not even consider getting them help. Please.
Many years ago whilst travelling the Aussie outback.we were advised to NEVER stop within 30klm from certain Aboriginal towns as we would be robbed..but we as lso found many Aboriginal people are absolutely amazing wonderful people.all nations have good and bad.......
Its cos they dont raise their kids, their idea of raising a kid is just getting drunk and blaming white fella for all their problems, so the kids grow up hearing all this biased rubbish and they are basically raised by games like call of duty and GTA V, its almost like they think the rest of the world is living GTA V
I hope that mob that stole from this man get their karma back... Baiame smiled upon Ricky, most people would not survive a few days letalone the amount of time Ricky spent out there... and there's more than just physical encounters to contend with. Thank you Outdoor Disasters for continuing to put such excellent, high caliber content out as regularly as you do!
Government praise on this vulnerability by taking citizens rights to bear arms under the disguise of safety and caring. While GOVERNMENT Will still be protected by guns
He had no reason to lie. Police were facing an impossible task of locating anyone ... then add 71 days of run away time ... I believe him. Glad for the positive outcome.
And that's fair, and why I went with the story he wrote. How do we know? Only Ricky knows and this is his story and I'm going to choose to believe him, even if I think the story is a little far-fetched. It's not beyond the realm of doubt.
@@outdoordisasters I look at his recorded physical condition ... and that he had a great job waiting for him at the end of the line ... [wonder if he ever was able to get it ... although his not showing up would have left a gap in the company roster they likely had to fill after a few weeks [let alone over 2 months]. I also wonder what sort of substance was added to his beer that would knock him out like that. I doubt they would have had refined knock-out pills or a date-rape sort of drug. I'd suspect it was an indigenous plant of some sort? Anyway ... thank you for the comeback and thank you for the video.
He told 4 different versions of what happened, he is a convicted criminal for assault and drug charges and he has a very good reason to lie, money from the book. But who know's maybe one of those versions is true.
@michaelmcclown5593 I knew Rick well at the time, this story of being drugged and robbed absolutely cracks me up 😂 And its literally the 2nd time he's told me a story about being 'left for dead' in a shallow grave half buried... he just used the same story again and changed a few details around. No your first instinct is right on this one mate, lets just say if he ever comes back to Australia he'll probably have a new identity! Credit to him for surviving out there though, no one can deny that part.
First mistake was taking a sketchy shortcut. Second mistake was doing it alone. Third mistake not sharing a clear itinerary of what roads will be traveled and ETA at specific waypoints. Fourth mistake was playing good Samaritan. Don't let the fact that you're a decent person or guilt over having a privileged lifestyle turn yourself into a sucker. Any locals you meet in the outback or other extreme environments are more than capable of surviving much longer than you are. At most toss a jug of water out at a safe distance after gunning it past their position. Humans are the most dangerous animal you'll ever likely encounter.
@@tek87If the aborigines actually existed and were trying to rob him, they simply would've jumped him when he pulled over. Instead, they were waiting patiently on the side of the road, with roofies, ready to spike the beers of anyone who picked them up? This robbery plan is already requiring huge amounts of foresight and luck. What if he was like the 99.99% of drivers that just drank bottled water? The aboriginal who spiked his drink then let him keep driving whilst he was passing out. Anyone with half a brain would've put the handbrake on and turned the engine off. Despite this, he then manages to almost escape, except for one aboriginal hanging onto the back of his car, who luckily was also holding a rock (whilst holding onto a speeding car) so that he could smash the back window. Then the aboriginal ran away as soon as the car had crashed. Then the aboriginals magically come back and start rummaging through the car without him noticing, then he accepts a drink off them again despite spiking his drink earlier. Then they bury him inside a grave, except its not a grave just covered in black tarp. He also didn't take this tarp with him despite it being good shelter and able to catch rain water. The pack of wild dogs also didn't attack a disabled man, just sniffed him out. I mean the whole story is nonsense, the dude was driving drunk and crashed his car. But if he said that he'd lose insurance coverage, so he made up the dumb story - or he wanted to be able to sell his story to the papers. But the detectives would've smelled bullshit in 5 seconds.
i’m just here to say how much i love your channel. i love how you give tips and facts about how to handle any disaster that can happen to us. ❤ you deserve all the success. i really hope you blow up and i’ll be right here watching and cheering you on!
When I first came across your page last week I did a double take because you sound soooo much like MORGAN FREEMAN! I had my daughters listen and they both agreed. Wow. I subscribed ASAP because the way you narrate is amazing & your stories are incredible. I appreciate the way you wrap things up by reminding us ways to stay safe out there. I’m so impressed by your channel I’ve committed not to skip the ads. 😅
i live in Australia. when i got my drivers licence aged 18, from the 1970`s to this day... ive heard people (who run petrol stations in the bush around New South Wales to Queensland) tell true stories to travellers, including me.... NEVER stop IF you see Australian Natives broken down, or lying on the road in your path... a lot of times its a set up and they can and probably will steal your car or belongings, as what happened to Ricky Megee. I find it hard to believe the outback police didnt believe his story, this has been happening for over 40 years. Im so glad he made it, he deserves a medal
The police just didn’t want to acknowledge it, because of all the racial crap behind it. When it comes to natives, it is like that in all parts of the world
Mate, i came across your channel two days ago and on the first day i binged all the videos on your channel straight lol , suprisingly soo soon another video ❤ as everyone here said, your content and narration is phenomenal, you will reach a mil in no time ,keep on doing what you do the way you do it, its just amazing, good job my friend and thank you for this❤
This one brought tears to my eyes, as I heard Ricky’s words about hanging on just a little longer, fighting with “every ounce of your soul” bc it is worth it to live. I needed that today. I can’t imagine the emotional impact of being drugged, assaulted & left to a brutal death by other human beings. What that trauma & betrayal would do to the spirit. It tears at my spirit merely to hear about the cruelty people are capable of inflicting! Yet he still had the will to fight for life. This inspires me to stop allowing the hurts & betrayals I’ve experienced (minor in comparison, but still difficult to feel) to deplete my will. What an amazing story! Thank you so much for this. P.S. - You’re every bit as good as ISBA! 😉
Having visited some of the country that Ricky struggled through I can vouch for his great good fortune in surviving what is a bleak and unforgiving environment without any support. Interestingly, an American airman survived for much longer in another inhospitable part of Australia during WW2. Staff Sargent Grady Gaston was a crew member aboard a B-24 that went down in the Gulf country of north-west Queensland in December 1942 after returning from a bombing raid over New Guinea. The area concerned was between Booroloola and Burketown and is so remote and hazardous that even the Aborigines didn't bother venturing into it with any frequency; even in 1942, the region was poorly mapped and only the few staff of scattered cattle stations had any familiarity with it. And yet Sgt Gaston survived 141 days (most of this alone as other crew died during that time) before being found and nurtured back to health, his weigh having plummeted to 45kg. He survived the remainder of the war and returned to Alabama. In both Ricky and Grady's cases, it was the sheer will to live that got them through.
Geez. Watching these has me in tears. What a remarkable man. Thats some true perseverance and grit. Much respect. From a fellow Aussie. Ps someone needs to make a movie about this!
Be careful of strangers. I heard of a Boy Scout Troop where the kids and parents hiked along the fire access roads in the backcountry. A stranger emerged from a side trail, and fell in step with the scout troop. The stranger was a jolly, “Santa Claus” type, in looks and personality. The kids loved him. The parents enjoyed him, all except for one parent who was much more wise and providentially had come on the trip. That wise parent told the stranger “Sorry, friend. It’s against the rules to let anyone we don’t know hike with us, it’s for the safety of the kids, you see?”. He made sure the stranger went ahead of them, and made everyone else wait. The stranger continued on his own. A week later, that same man’s photos turned up in the local newspapers. He had knifed a local youth whom he had convinced to step off onto a side trail with him, from that same fire road that same weekend.
What an amazing feat of survival in such harsh Aussie conditions, the strength & will of this fella kept him alive & how fortunate for those 2 jackaroo's to just do a random check on the dam.
God can change people s minds. He gave them the urge to check there. Praying to God is man’s only survival tool he needs. Oh and faith to believe!!✝️🙏✝️
Ricky Megee (born 1970/1971) is an Australian, most notable for having been stranded in the Outback and surviving for 71 days in 2006. Megee later gave contradictory statements as to how he came to be stranded crossing the Northern Territory and Western Australia. On one occasion he said that his car broke down, and on another that he had been carjacked by an armed gang. However, a doctor later confirmed that Megee's appearance was consistent with having lived in extreme conditions. Like most deserts, the Tanami can reach 40 °C (104 °F) during the day but still be very cold at night. Megee made his own primitive shelters and survived by drinking rainwater and eating small animals and available vegetation for nourishment. He was eventually discovered by a group of station hands near Katherine, Northern Territory, and taken to Darwin for medical assistance. Although some doubts were later raised as to the exact chain of events as Megee related them, the police did not find evidence that a criminal offence had occurred.
Travelling the outback with my step father, a Park Ranger in Queensland outback, he told me never to stop if I saw Aboriginals on the road, always keep the windows & doors locked. A Park Manager took us to the Roper River to show us why we should always keep the vehicle locked & windows up. He stopped just before crossing the Roper, drunken Aboriginals came from the surrounding bush, demanding we give them our money, cigarettes & alcohol. The Manager left his window down to show us what would happen. The hands grabbed at his shirt as their demands grew louder. He gave them a few cigarettes of which most dropped into the water as they fought over them. Some carefully picked up the cigs while others tried to get into the vehicle. One of the aboriginal tricks was to get a woman holding a baby & stand on the road when a vehicle approached, if it stopped, the men would emerge from the bush to rob the vehicle occupants. When we stopped at a town, one of us had to stand by the truck so that the Aboriginals wouldn't steal anything, while the other went into the shop. That was a very educational trip for me.
Unfortunately this is true. No one likes to speak of this, but it’s true. Edit: as is the story with most, it’s the select few who ruin the reputation for most. But these stories are legend. (My ex-sister in law used to work in the NT as a jillaroo, and she had to drive with a gun under her seat (drivers seat) for similar stories such as this). This was many years ago, but it still remains. Some people jump out in front of vehicles for this very reason. To rob you. It sucks and it’s hard, and most original peoples of our country aren’t like this, but there are some that are. The legends have come about for a reason. Many original peoples are the best people you could ever meet, and have a generosity beyond you found imagine. I’ve never been to remote areas myself, it I’ve met many people who have who have similar stories. Long haul truck drivers and the like. It makes me sad. Like I said, it’s a select few who ruin the reputation of many. I can say the same about the legends of serial killers, that most are middle aged white people. Select few who ruin the reputation of many. Don’t attribute this notion to the whole. Everyone can find a story that smears a group with a bad story. Remember that it’s the individual that is the person who does the bad thing, and not the people as a whole. I hope you can understand what I’m trying to say…. Blessings ❤
This would be just as bad as Death Valley but at least he found water and was rescued. I would've stuck to the Highway even if it meant it took longer. Glad this man was finally rescued from his nightmarish ordeal
Going off the main road alone was very foolish. Going in a two vehicle minimum convoy would be better. It must have been a considerable distance even with the shortcut.
While I bicycled from Darwin to Port Augusta in 2004, three aboriginal man waved me for help, I got so scared, fortunately they only wanted fire for cigarettes
I often travel by myself & go pig shoot’n & camp out with my 2 blue cattle dogs out around western Queensland & down to Nth West Nsw around Bourke & up to the Northern Territory. I travel along very isolated roads & tracks that go hundreds of k’s & you see nobody. On the back of my GU Patrol Td42ti ute i have a slide on/off Palomino camper & tow my WR450F dirt bike & it’s not cheap & pulling into some outback towns for fuel & supplies i can’t take my eyes off my truck & especially with firearms inside even though locked up I’m still weary. And when driving Nah no chance I’m stopping by myself. Last summer i was driving along the Capricorn Hwy headed to Longreach & Van was on the road stopped & a chick stood wanting me to stop? Who’s in the van? I’m sure i seen her boyfriend/guy from further back. I just made a phone gesture & pointed to town meaning i’ll tell cops your broken down. I ain’t stopping my truck for nobody, they see my interstate number plates & my vehicle full of expensive accessories & my camper & dirt bike = 💰. I’ve had a few dramas & close calls & been blocked in at a artesian bore & surrounded by 12 drunk’n black fellas trying to break in & get my dirt bike off my trailer & started to climb over my bullbar & on my bonnet & trying to smash my windows. Not sure what happened but suddenly they ran away, not sure what i had in my hands? But it sure scared them. It’s strange because I’ve always been cool as with black fellas 👍. Nah i ain’t stopping it’s just way to isolated out there in the outback especially by myself. Oh I’d stop for a interstate truck driver there cool A F & help them, except for Old mate turbo get bailed up at a roadhouse & asked to help pay his diesel fuel bill because his credit card declined Again, nah nah nah i’ll pay ya back on the 12th? Yeh the 12th/of/never.
The Ricky Megee story. A brave young Australian who risked his life due to the lack of knowledge of survival in inhospitable and lonely Australia, which I have dared and crossed on several occasions not in a 4x4 but in an HT utility and with all my mechanic's tools, the load I was carrying exceeded eight hundred kilos, I also had spare parts to rebuild a gearbox or the same engine, someone called me crazy when we met on the road, they in a 4x4 and accompanied by friends or family, I always told them that if I did it it was because I was physically and mentally prepared for any setback that might arise, one day after a month of traveling I arrived at Dampies in the north of the W.A having left MT Isa in Q.L.D towards Perth always walking on dirt roads, when I arrived at my destination the work had already finished and again back to Perth where I got a Caltex Meltham Gas Station, When people asked me how I could have done such madness, I told them that it was not madness for a commando of the Spanish Legion in the Wester Sahara, who on several occasions traveled on foot.
Wow. I can kind of understand the scepticism about survival in that incredibly inhospitable environment, but those photos - he was pretty effing gaunt when found. And I can't imagine anyone hanging out in that remote location in that condition just hoping someone would stumble across him - for what gain?
@@outdoordisasters just wondering why his account isn't believed. It was mentioned in the story and again in the comment so apparently there must be some controversy even though his vehicle was later found as described.
@Pak De I don't believe it. I believe that he could have broken down, got lost and wandered for a while but I don't believe the carjacking. It's really rare for Australian Indigenous to attack people like Megee describes, let alone them having date R drugs, or sedatives of any sort to spare. Since they found the car - I believe - then the alleged carjackers got nothing out of the deal, so it doesn't make sense. I'm not saying Aboriginal peolle here don't commit crimes but in the outback this sort of crime would be unprecedented. People need others to survive out there and the carjackers hanging around for days or weeks off the Stuart Highway in the middle of nowhere, with a pocket of rohypnol or such, is a nonsense. If you wanted to steal you'd hang around the big towns there. Police couldn't find evidence of the carjackers and I tend to think Megee changing his story to include the carjackers just made breaking down in the outback story more interesting. Totally believe the poor bugger got stranded out there though. It would be horrendous.
Lots of thoughts. How did he get the blades off the windmill? Wouldn't that require some tools? Wouldn't it be better to stay with the river as that might well go to some kind of civilization? Lots more thoughts but others have asked most of them.
Ricky’s story makes the movie cast away look like child’s play. If you want to find the toughest and most resilient forms of life, look no further then in the desert.
Well there is the story of the British tourists in the outback in Australia, where they were pulled over by a guy who shot the male backpacker and the female managed to escape. The police were sceptical, the press were sceptical! The poor girl was absolutely traumatized and was given a very hard time. Going by this and other stories since, they are more likely real than not. Very sad
@Chris Cheffings that's an interesting story. Should be covered on this channel as well l reckon. There was a doco on this not long ago and a few points were brought up that the majority of people weren't aware of and made the whole story seem mighty suspect
He changed it over time. They never found any evidence of criminal activity against him. The account/s of being drugged showed a degree of pre-planned preparation that don't necessarily add up to a crime of this nature - it's a real outlier, in terms of credibility. I don't know who these Indigenous Australians are, hanging out in The Outback with these kinds of drugs? He also had some past criminal history of his own... this doesn't make him unbelievable in and of itself, though. I also understand that, despite this well-presented video, they did NOT find his car (although this may be superseded by subsequent information) and that accounts of his many wanderings may actually be able to be reduced to "he walked for ten days then stayed in one location for weeks" - meaning his travails were not nearly so wide-ranging. All food for thought - and better than dry-roasted frogs 😕
It would be great to hear the rest of the story being that him and a bunch of his friends went back out to where this all happened and the same people were there pulling the same stunt but this time there was a different outcome. A very different outcome
We've never not believed Ricki's story. He is an incredible survivor!! Hearing it again has reminded me to survive and do what I can to make it happen. Australia is vast and vastly inhospitable, beautiful but deadly.
Many people do not believe him. They believe he survived in the outback but they don’t believe the story leading up to it, and a lot of things mentioned don’t add up, from what I’ve heard. Haven’t don’t any research into the claims bc I really don’t care either way 😂
@@Kelly-gl5rl With him having admitted he was drinking, it kind of makes sense that he would cover up for his own accident by claiming to have been drugged. Not saying that's what happened of course, but I can see why someone would be skeptical. It's in human nature to not want to admit that the reason you almost died is completely your own fault, why not blame it on some aboriginals that no-one will ever be able to locate. I know they went back and found the shelters he had built, so I wonder if he ever located the "grave".
This is one of the most triumphant survival stories I've heard but quite a few things bother me. Why didn't the police and people believe him? Who would have done this to oneself? And, why there was no rescue attempt from his family at all?
I've heard of this story, but I have so many questions about his account. I don't doubt he was stranded, but me and a lot of people who heard this story (and the subsequent tales he later told, all giving different versions of the same story) think that he must have been drink-driving and crashed his car, waking up to a nightmare scenario. This, of course, does not sell to tabloids and the mindset of Australians at the time was largely anti-aboriginal, so making up a mugging story makes sense. I think his original recount - crashing on his own - is the true version, but it obviously wouldn't have drummed up a lot of public sympathy. Still a perilous tale of survival, but one from a very unreliable narrator. Also, obsessed with your channel and your distinct narration style! Immediately subbed! Keep up the incredible work
I read the book when researching this story. It's fascinating, and for brevity's sake, had to leave out many details. Highly recommend reading his book if anyone has any interest in this story.
What’s crazy is that he showed kindness and got treated so badly. And he was at risk of being ignored, or worse, suspected of being the same type of person he encountered along his way. Yet, somehow, the kindness of strangers came through in the most ironic way possible. Thank God that crime doesn’t kill all the random and selfless acts of kindness we still have in this world.
Losing in outback Australia so difficult to indure scary, farming land is so huge can't even see movement even trap inside the property, good he was rescued before it's too late
Wow the fact that people doubted his story is just unbelievable. What this poor guy had to go through is amazing. Wow you are an incredible human being. So glad he survived... To tell his story....
@@lot6129 In all due respect to police, they're definitely guilty of not investigating situations at times, either improperly or not at all! And also, they can be, and often are, very biased.
Moral of the story, never share your beer. On a serious note though from someone who has smashed a car window before I don’t think you would smash a window on a moving vehicle then climb through getting cut to pieces unless he clung to the side of a swerving vehicle whilst picking out broken glass to make it safe enough to not to disembowel yourself on the way in. and to not be able to shake the person off your car by swerving and braking hard I find hard to believe. I think that would cause anyone to fly off like a rag doll. Another plausible explanation is he had 10 to any rum cans and lost control of his vehicle on a dusty bend, left the road and crashed his car, then he wondered off and got lost and to avoid being charged with DD he made up the whole story
I drive into outback Nth QLD on a road where some one takes rifle shots at people. Some people have disappeared. I have been fortunate nothing ever happened to any family members or myself.
WOW! JUST WOW!!!Excruciating. I thought I might lie down and die listening to this man's fight to survive. All the pain and suffering I've experienced in my lifetime pale in comparison. Shame shame double shame, everybody knows my name.
Well yours was over your lifetime. In all due respect to him, his was over months. And that's not to say he hasn't had other deep suffering over his life.
I really need to watch this whenever I feel like my life is hard. Holy shit. I would have a hard time not spending the rest of my life searching for.the fucks that did this to me.
I love ur videos! Just don’t forget all of us little people who where here from the very beginning when u become famous & hit 5 mil! Cuz I know ul get there fast!
@@outdoordisasters Yes, he did certainly make it into the spirit world on this experience - that is a right of passage! Glad to know he made it out okay. Quite an incredible journey. TY for sharing.
What a horrifying tale, that poor guy suffered beyond belief. Even in normal circumstances a tooth problem like that is pure misery, to have to deal with it in that brutal way is an unimaginable nightmare. Someone said he deserved a medal,i wouldn't argue with that. Hope he fully recovered, physically at least.
In some states in Australia, there is a law that makes it an offence not to stop and assist a stranded vehicle. Fines & demerit points are applied to the offender....
I remember being warned about a particular town in country NSW, being advised that if u breakdown in or near that town to leave the vehicle as the locals wont hesitate to hurt u as they stripped it of anything of value. Supposedly it was well known for truckers to just roll right thru that town, no stopping until u were in the next town.
Oh my Lord, just listening to this story until the end was exhausting. I am truly amazed by this man’s courage, and spirit and will to live. The agony, pain, desperation and hopelessness of it all, would be just too much for most regular people. I truly believe it was God’s divine intervention that enabled his eventual rescue. It really makes me angry and astonishes me, that the authorities were not willing to believe his story. WTF,, why the F**K would someone make up a story like that. I’m from Australia and I’m sure most other aussies are aware of the issues our indigenous Aboriginal people face, especially in remote & rural areas. There is no doubt in mind that his story is true. I’m so glad everything worked out for him in the end💛💛💛
Wow! I did a bit of reading on this story and it sounds like he gave some contradictory accounts of how he was stranded. Either way it’s amazing he was able to survive for that long in the Outback.
So glad he made it. Hope he fully recovered 🙏🙏🙏 Australian cops not believing him “nothing new” they did not believe Dingoes would take a baby. Well done on surviving 👍👏🏼🙏
The thing about remote Australia is you get all sorts of characters out there and little policing. People go there for all sorts of reasons to go off grid and escape the mainstream. And yes it is Aboriginal land for most part. If you don’t have a reason to be somewhere then don’t go there. You don’t just breeze into communities without notice or a guide. It isn’t a tourist park even though invested parties like to spruik it as such. It is a long way between towns and any health care or other amenities and food costs a bomb so you need to take everything with you. The people that rob you are likely to have nothing and less to lose so just keep that in mind.
I read Ricky's book, and a lot of this is summarised from my memory of the story. Pretty sure after he was offered the government job, he made the journey from the Port Hedland area to Adelaide because he promised a friend he'd take his son down there or something, and wanted to do the journey before he started his job... and came across the stranded aboriginals he was ambushed by on his way back from that journey.
We travelled from Perth to Broome, Broome to Albany and Albany to Perth and never had any problems. I love Australia 🇦🇺. Iam from South Africa and I have never felt safer than travelling in outback 🇦🇺 Australia.
I agree,the mugging story seems a bit far fetched,71 days in the outback is a long stretch,was the no search parties and trackers looking for him,after all he was expected in HC by a friend,the alarm should have been raised pretty quickly.
His story dramatically changed and police where unable to find evidence that a crime had been committed! Bloke was looking for a pay day so he changed the story to sell it!
Every one of us is born to be famous or just plain ordinary human beings. This one is destined to be famous and on top over us all ordinary mortal beings.. a role model to follow for us in how to survive in the most harsh cruel difficult environment. ❤
I'd love to hear the police response as to why they doubted his tale. The state of Ricky by the time he was rescued could surely not be contested. What was their theory to account for his predicament ? Were they just too lazy to follow up ?
My god!!! Did nobody search for this poor man?!? People hiding his disappearance from family members.. the people who would push for the search and rescue effort. Poor man! I’m glad he survived!
In this video, I decided to tell Ricky's story as he did in his book. I know many question his story, and I can understand. The story leading up to the ordeal in the outback does seem far fetched. But what's undeniable is he had to survive 71 days in the Outback which was an amazing feat and his will to survive and think on his feet kept him alive.
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@Outdoor Disasters what is the name of his Book?
@@timberdaniels7317 "Left For Dead - How I Survived 71 Days Lost in Desert Hell"
@Outdoor Disasters, Thank You! Btw have you ever read the book Alive about the Rugby team who were stranded on the Andes Mountains after their plane crashed? Would you consider doing a video about that if you have?
@@timberdaniels7317 One of my favorite books. And the movie is pretty damn good too. I have considered doing them, but there's countless videos on their story. I think most people know the story of the rugby team. But it's not out of the question, because I know the story really well.
@@outdoordisasters you are a really good storyteller and so it doesn’t matter if we are familiar with it. Hearing you tell the story would be great!
I met a 40 year old women in outback Queensland that drove a lot for her cattle station alone, she carried a rifle, pistol and knife and never stopped for anyone!
Not any more though
@@mattburnett4185I know a guy in the North of Australia who drives around with an AK-47 in the back of his Hilux just for such a scenario. It’s against the law in this country, but I won’t tell. In fact, I had the pleasure of helping him empty a case of bullets that were close to end of shelf life.
@mattburnett4185 what do you mean not anymore? Everyone travels with guns in rural areas
I met a strange lady. She made me nervous. She just smiled and made me brrreakfast. 😂
@@rayb3000I come from a land down under. Classic Aussie music
Only found this channel yesterday while down with a bad bout of food poisoning, ended up binge watching the entire channel, fantastic stories i'm amazed i've never heard of before, keep these great stories coming! 🙌🙌
Thank you so much! I hope you're feeling better!
Aussie here. I don't recall that incident in the news at the time. Thanks for doing the video. I lived in Outback WA back 11 years ago and loved it. This was about 4 hours north of Kalgoorlie past the end of the sealed road.
Ya, I think this one might be "embellished", read: fake.
@@Upgraydez That could explain it.
@Upgraydez Agree. It sounds like utter BS to me too. More likely he set off without the essentials and had to invent a story to avoid being knocked for being an over confident and reckless dickwit.
I’m noticing in the comments that you can’t pull the wall over the eyes of an Aussie.
But you sure can with an American. They will believe anything.
@@AlphaGeekgirl I can tell you a story doing the rounds in the Army in the 1990s. There was a joint Army exercise in Northern Australia and at one stage, an Aussie soldier resting with his platoon in the bush, when told an American patrol was approaching, took the rechargeable electric razor from his bag, plugged the charge cord into a close by gum tree, and commenced shaving, Yanks came along, stopped to have a chat with the Aussies. One of them asked the shaving guy what he was doing. Aussie replied, having a shave. Yank responded - how are you getting electricity, how is that possible in the forest? Aussie responded, this is an electric gum tree, we get free electricity from it. Yank and his mates did not question the Aussie, and apparently believed the Aussie! God Damn!
I remember this story from 2006. It was so phenomenal of a survival story, it made its way to the United States. Ricky is a survivor! Thank you as always Outdoor Disasters👍
Sit down bot, its a fairytale
I was wondering why the police wouldn't believe him after all he had gone through .
One commenter mentioned something about him being a known drug addict .
So I'm wondering if he crashed the car because he was high and if it's possible he made up the story about aboriginals but ...
... read some of the comments were people talk about some rogue aboriginals being known to do this and how dangerous they can be .
But I do believe he was lost , stranded out there and starving to death ... and that if those people hadn't found him he definitely would have died .
The story is so far fetched, aboriginals wouldn't know how to drug people lol l
🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
Under these circumstances, I'd be more prone to keep my distance from strangers and simply communicate to them that I would send help for them as soon as I could. Sometimes you can help someone without putting yourself at risk.
Yep, totally agree. Once I was driving on a road that wasn't used much way out in the country with no houses anywhere. There was a car in the middle of the road and a man was standing next to it, I had to stop because I couldn't get around him without coming very close to him, so I stopped far back from his car. He began walking toward me and I yelled out my window for him to stop approaching my car and asked what he wanted. He wanted a ride and had no phone to call for help, he said his car was broke down. No way was I going to let this guy near me, so I told him to give me a number and I'd call for help. I also told him to stand far into the woods so I could pass him or else I would reverse quick away. He shouted out the number and I made the call for him. He walked into the woods and I drove quickly past his car. It's right to help strangers in need just make sure you do it safely.
@@traciw.6044 A fine example. You provided what he (theoretically) needed without risking an unwanted encounter.
Humans are the most dangerous creatures in the world.
Funny a Jeep just happens to be the vehicle I am looking to buy it must be stick. Keeping a sawed off and a pistol in it! It's 2023
@@traciw.6044 no shit especially if you're unarmed and female! Funny when I had my Corvette whenever I broke down even girls would stop and offer assistance! I guess they figured anyone with a Corvette had to be alright. I was better looking back then too! Lol!
Incredible story. This has become one of my favorite channels. You're an excellent narrator.
Thank you so much! So happy you're enjoying the channel!
Wouldn't you rather have a site run by a real person, instead of all A.I like here??
Racist and reported.
This is an Amazing story so glad you made it through these long 71 days. You did great getting through. Also God was hearing your prayers and watching over you. God Bless you! Enjoy your life!
It literally blows my mind how some can survive, i seem to have zero pain tolerance and believe I'll die when i can't find my lip chap.
Great story. ❤
Your mind was not "literally" blown.
Mets....haaaa
Or hand cream. I cringe at dry hands.
@@metsgiantsfan333 haha, did you feel better after this comment? I hope so.
@@justbe1451 you have a long journey ahead of you sir! Goodluck!
The fact that this happened to him is terrible, but also it will affect people who really need help, and won't be helped because of criminals like these!! No one will dare to stop anymore.
For sure. You see someone on the highway stranded, very sad you have to consider that you might be getting set up and pass them up.
Sure won't!!
You just don’t stop for those sort EVER they don’t deserve it
Exactly!
@@ivypoison6806you don't know them. They might really need help. At least call for police. Don't ever just let anyone potentially helpless in the wilderness. You don't have to stop yourself, sure, but don't be so cynical to not even consider getting them help. Please.
For all it's beauty and splendor, my living room can be a cruel teacher. I stubbed my toe on the sofa leg...
LMFAO
Familiarity certainly breeds contempt 😂
Many years ago whilst travelling the Aussie outback.we were advised to NEVER stop within 30klm from certain Aboriginal towns as we would be robbed..but we as lso found many Aboriginal people are absolutely amazing wonderful people.all nations have good and bad.......
Its cos they dont raise their kids, their idea of raising a kid is just getting drunk and blaming white fella for all their problems, so the kids grow up hearing all this biased rubbish and they are basically raised by games like call of duty and GTA V, its almost like they think the rest of the world is living GTA V
One of your greatest and most intriguing videos ever. Thank you for creating it.
it is based on rickys book, called Left for dead
I crossed the outback by bicycle from Darwin to Port Augusta, so blessed that things went well
How long did that take you?
@@Chilli6025 He's trying to remember the dream.
I bet you had a sore backside by the time you finished the trip.
Of course I’m calling bullshit on this because you’d be all over the news and a nationwide hero on TV
Plenty of traffic on that road poindecter and plenty of roadhouses.
I hope that mob that stole from this man get their karma back... Baiame smiled upon Ricky, most people would not survive a few days letalone the amount of time Ricky spent out there... and there's more than just physical encounters to contend with. Thank you Outdoor Disasters for continuing to put such excellent, high caliber content out as regularly as you do!
Thank you my friend!
Nope. They continue to destroy lives.. That's the real world
Government praise on this vulnerability by taking citizens rights to bear arms under the disguise of safety and caring. While GOVERNMENT Will still be protected by guns
@@scottieeasley4907 This world and the next are but turtles upon turtles.
Nah they are still getting their sit down money from the taxpayer's thanks to the government .
As soon as you said 2001 mitsubishi I said "oh it's over with, he done, he never had a chance."
It is a great story, especially if you feel like you are doing it tough, watching this makes you realise how easy your life is
He had no reason to lie. Police were facing an impossible task of locating anyone ... then add 71 days of run away time ... I believe him. Glad for the positive outcome.
And that's fair, and why I went with the story he wrote. How do we know? Only Ricky knows and this is his story and I'm going to choose to believe him, even if I think the story is a little far-fetched. It's not beyond the realm of doubt.
@@outdoordisasters I look at his recorded physical condition ... and that he had a great job waiting for him at the end of the line ... [wonder if he ever was able to get it ... although his not showing up would have left a gap in the company roster they likely had to fill after a few weeks [let alone over 2 months]. I also wonder what sort of substance was added to his beer that would knock him out like that. I doubt they would have had refined knock-out pills or a date-rape sort of drug. I'd suspect it was an indigenous plant of some sort? Anyway ... thank you for the comeback and thank you for the video.
He told 4 different versions of what happened, he is a convicted criminal for assault and drug charges and he has a very good reason to lie, money from the book. But who know's maybe one of those versions is true.
OK, and the source of your information is? @@michaelmcclown5593
@michaelmcclown5593 I knew Rick well at the time, this story of being drugged and robbed absolutely cracks me up 😂
And its literally the 2nd time he's told me a story about being 'left for dead' in a shallow grave half buried... he just used the same story again and changed a few details around. No your first instinct is right on this one mate, lets just say if he ever comes back to Australia he'll probably have a new identity!
Credit to him for surviving out there though, no one can deny that part.
First mistake was taking a sketchy shortcut. Second mistake was doing it alone. Third mistake not sharing a clear itinerary of what roads will be traveled and ETA at specific waypoints. Fourth mistake was playing good Samaritan. Don't let the fact that you're a decent person or guilt over having a privileged lifestyle turn yourself into a sucker. Any locals you meet in the outback or other extreme environments are more than capable of surviving much longer than you are. At most toss a jug of water out at a safe distance after gunning it past their position. Humans are the most dangerous animal you'll ever likely encounter.
The good Samaritan story sounds bogus, too many things in it that make no sense. Most probably he was drunk and crashed the car while driving.
That's not a dodgy shortcut. It's quite common to come across natives, in either legit or dodgy situations. Just got to be wise
@@iseeyou1312 It would be nice if you were to elaborate.
@@tek87If the aborigines actually existed and were trying to rob him, they simply would've jumped him when he pulled over.
Instead, they were waiting patiently on the side of the road, with roofies, ready to spike the beers of anyone who picked them up? This robbery plan is already requiring huge amounts of foresight and luck. What if he was like the 99.99% of drivers that just drank bottled water?
The aboriginal who spiked his drink then let him keep driving whilst he was passing out. Anyone with half a brain would've put the handbrake on and turned the engine off.
Despite this, he then manages to almost escape, except for one aboriginal hanging onto the back of his car, who luckily was also holding a rock (whilst holding onto a speeding car) so that he could smash the back window. Then the aboriginal ran away as soon as the car had crashed.
Then the aboriginals magically come back and start rummaging through the car without him noticing, then he accepts a drink off them again despite spiking his drink earlier.
Then they bury him inside a grave, except its not a grave just covered in black tarp. He also didn't take this tarp with him despite it being good shelter and able to catch rain water. The pack of wild dogs also didn't attack a disabled man, just sniffed him out.
I mean the whole story is nonsense, the dude was driving drunk and crashed his car. But if he said that he'd lose insurance coverage, so he made up the dumb story - or he wanted to be able to sell his story to the papers. But the detectives would've smelled bullshit in 5 seconds.
You must be an expert
Brilliantly narrated and a harrowing story. This was a randomly suggested TH-cam video and I'm glad. New Subscriber from England UK 🇬🇧
Thank you sir!
i’m just here to say how much i love your channel. i love how you give tips and facts about how to handle any disaster that can happen to us. ❤ you deserve all the success. i really hope you blow up and i’ll be right here watching and cheering you on!
Thank you!! I'm so happy you like the channel! You rock!
You are definitely one of the best narrators on UT.
When I first came across your page last week I did a double take because you sound soooo much like MORGAN FREEMAN! I had my daughters listen and they both agreed. Wow. I subscribed ASAP because the way you narrate is amazing & your stories are incredible. I appreciate the way you wrap things up by reminding us ways to stay safe out there. I’m so impressed by your channel I’ve committed not to skip the ads. 😅
Thank you so much!!
Yes!!! My story exactly! His voice and narration, I'm hooked!!
I have found all these videos very well done!! But I hear Leonard Nimoy.
@@MsMaxine306 Thank you very much for your support!
morgan...stop it!
i live in Australia. when i got my drivers licence aged 18, from the 1970`s to this day... ive heard people (who run petrol stations in the bush around New South Wales to Queensland) tell true stories to travellers, including me.... NEVER stop IF you see Australian Natives broken down, or lying on the road in your path... a lot of times its a set up and they can and probably will steal your car or belongings, as what happened to Ricky Megee. I find it hard to believe the outback police didnt believe his story, this has been happening for over 40 years. Im so glad he made it, he deserves a medal
More than likely they know and they do not care, maybe get something out of it also.
The police just didn’t want to acknowledge it, because of all the racial crap behind it. When it comes to natives, it is like that in all parts of the world
Is a white man. If it was a woman or black man
Is a white man. If it was a woman or black man
Gross
Excellent stories, well told! I especially like the survival tips you give at the end of the video!
The danger spots for these types is generally within a few miles of a town. They don’t stray far from the grog shop 😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
When traveling alone and coming across men of questionable character in the middle of nowhere always remember "No good deed goes unpunished".
😊👍YES!!
abo's?
Mate, i came across your channel two days ago and on the first day i binged all the videos on your channel straight lol , suprisingly soo soon another video ❤ as everyone here said, your content and narration is phenomenal, you will reach a mil in no time ,keep on doing what you do the way you do it, its just amazing, good job my friend and thank you for this❤
Really appreciate your support!
This one brought tears to my eyes, as I heard Ricky’s words about hanging on just a little longer, fighting with “every ounce of your soul” bc it is worth it to live. I needed that today. I can’t imagine the emotional impact of being drugged, assaulted & left to a brutal death by other human beings. What that trauma & betrayal would do to the spirit. It tears at my spirit merely to hear about the cruelty people are capable of inflicting! Yet he still had the will to fight for life. This inspires me to stop allowing the hurts & betrayals I’ve experienced (minor in comparison, but still difficult to feel) to deplete my will. What an amazing story! Thank you so much for this.
P.S. - You’re every bit as good as ISBA! 😉
You have put into words my situation. I draw hope from people like this man!🙏
Having visited some of the country that Ricky struggled through I can vouch for his great good fortune in surviving what is a bleak and unforgiving environment without any support. Interestingly, an American airman survived for much longer in another inhospitable part of Australia during WW2. Staff Sargent Grady Gaston was a crew member aboard a B-24 that went down in the Gulf country of north-west Queensland in December 1942 after returning from a bombing raid over New Guinea. The area concerned was between Booroloola and Burketown and is so remote and hazardous that even the Aborigines didn't bother venturing into it with any frequency; even in 1942, the region was poorly mapped and only the few staff of scattered cattle stations had any familiarity with it. And yet Sgt Gaston survived 141 days (most of this alone as other crew died during that time) before being found and nurtured back to health, his weigh having plummeted to 45kg. He survived the remainder of the war and returned to Alabama. In both Ricky and Grady's cases, it was the sheer will to live that got them through.
Geez. Watching these has me in tears. What a remarkable man. Thats some true perseverance and grit. Much respect. From a fellow Aussie. Ps someone needs to make a movie about this!
I almost cried. Seeing his skeleton was so sad and horrific. Thank God he was saved!
It made me laugh. So much BS.
in australias outback everyone stops to help each other, this is a rare case
Isn't it a law in NT that you must stop to provide aid? This is just so scary.
Everyone in the outback is good people.haha.
Not true in this day n age. Maybe 20+ years ago when ppl genuinely cared.
@@meganmclaughlin9056 your English sucks, and have you travelled in Australia's remote areas?
@@geosid1696 you familiar with Australia and its remote areas?
What a story & you tell it so well! Thankyou.
My new favorite channel 😍
What type of centipede?
What a survival story.
The jack a roos are heroes
Thank you! Not sure the exact centipede.
Be careful of strangers. I heard of a Boy Scout Troop where the kids and parents hiked along the fire access roads in the backcountry. A stranger emerged from a side trail, and fell in step with the scout troop. The stranger was a jolly, “Santa Claus” type, in looks and personality. The kids loved him.
The parents enjoyed him, all except for one parent who was much more wise and providentially had come on the trip. That wise parent told the stranger “Sorry, friend. It’s against the rules to let anyone we don’t know hike with us, it’s for the safety of the kids, you see?”. He made sure the stranger went ahead of them, and made everyone else wait. The stranger continued on his own. A week later, that same man’s photos turned up in the local newspapers.
He had knifed a local youth whom he had convinced to step off onto a side trail with him, from that same fire road that same weekend.
Horrendous!! Thank God for that wise man!!
What an amazing feat of survival in such harsh Aussie conditions, the strength & will of this fella kept him alive & how fortunate for those 2 jackaroo's to just do a random check on the dam.
God can change people s minds. He gave them the urge to check there. Praying to God is man’s only survival tool he needs. Oh and faith to believe!!✝️🙏✝️
@@PatriciaS-t1x if GOD done that to save this man,
Then why is all the murder & mayhem still continuing across the earth, just asking
Pomydiva.. you got it spot on im52 and a stockman...the outback is a very dangerous place...be aware.very aware...
Ricky Megee (born 1970/1971) is an Australian, most notable for having been stranded in the Outback and surviving for 71 days in 2006. Megee later gave contradictory statements as to how he came to be stranded crossing the Northern Territory and Western Australia. On one occasion he said that his car broke down, and on another that he had been carjacked by an armed gang. However, a doctor later confirmed that Megee's appearance was consistent with having lived in extreme conditions. Like most deserts, the Tanami can reach 40 °C (104 °F) during the day but still be very cold at night. Megee made his own primitive shelters and survived by drinking rainwater and eating small animals and available vegetation for nourishment. He was eventually discovered by a group of station hands near Katherine, Northern Territory, and taken to Darwin for medical assistance. Although some doubts were later raised as to the exact chain of events as Megee related them, the police did not find evidence that a criminal offence had occurred.
Gets a damn sight hotter than 40c,Ive had to shift cattle in 57c in far west Qld.
Travelling the outback with my step father, a Park Ranger in Queensland outback, he told me never to stop if I saw Aboriginals on the road, always keep the windows & doors locked. A Park Manager took us to the Roper River to show us why we should always keep the vehicle locked & windows up. He stopped just before crossing the Roper, drunken Aboriginals came from the surrounding bush, demanding we give them our money, cigarettes & alcohol. The Manager left his window down to show us what would happen. The hands grabbed at his shirt as their demands grew louder. He gave them a few cigarettes of which most dropped into the water as they fought over them. Some carefully picked up the cigs while others tried to get into the vehicle. One of the aboriginal tricks was to get a woman holding a baby & stand on the road when a vehicle approached, if it stopped, the men would emerge from the bush to rob the vehicle occupants. When we stopped at a town, one of us had to stand by the truck so that the Aboriginals wouldn't steal anything, while the other went into the shop. That was a very educational trip for me.
Unfortunately this is true. No one likes to speak of this, but it’s true.
Edit: as is the story with most, it’s the select few who ruin the reputation for most. But these stories are legend. (My ex-sister in law used to work in the NT as a jillaroo, and she had to drive with a gun under her seat (drivers seat) for similar stories such as this). This was many years ago, but it still remains. Some people jump out in front of vehicles for this very reason. To rob you. It sucks and it’s hard, and most original peoples of our country aren’t like this, but there are some that are. The legends have come about for a reason. Many original peoples are the best people you could ever meet, and have a generosity beyond you found imagine.
I’ve never been to remote areas myself, it I’ve met many people who have who have similar stories. Long haul truck drivers and the like. It makes me sad. Like I said, it’s a select few who ruin the reputation of many. I can say the same about the legends of serial killers, that most are middle aged white people. Select few who ruin the reputation of many.
Don’t attribute this notion to the whole. Everyone can find a story that smears a group with a bad story. Remember that it’s the individual that is the person who does the bad thing, and not the people as a whole. I hope you can understand what I’m trying to say…. Blessings ❤
Well you are the invader after all... what do you expect
Yeah , dah be always axing for a handout , or easy pickings.
@@riveness lol . Just like a typical triggered sop, you assume his heritage. Doesn't take much to reveal the real racist, just 11 words.😅
@@jimmyriddle5246 ah so you revel in your racism. Thanks for letting us know
sad fact is you cant trust em at all, he should have kept going
This would be just as bad as Death Valley but at least he found water and was rescued. I would've stuck to the Highway even if it meant it took longer. Glad this man was finally rescued from his nightmarish ordeal
Going off the main road alone was very foolish. Going in a two vehicle minimum convoy would be better. It must have been a considerable distance even with the shortcut.
Death Valley is much worse temperature wise. Lose your head there and you will likely die if in any of its many remote areas.
this is an incredible story. Such courage and determination.Poor man..... so much suffering. God bless his soul
Sorry, he was a junkie and this was a fake story. Probably a drug deal gone wrong.
While I bicycled from Darwin to Port Augusta in 2004, three aboriginal man waved me for help, I got so scared, fortunately they only wanted fire for cigarettes
Congrats for the video, Hats off to this man for his survival story, and as a Frenchman I totally approve the frog eating 5/5
I often travel by myself & go pig shoot’n & camp out with my 2 blue cattle dogs out around western Queensland & down to Nth West Nsw around Bourke & up to the Northern Territory. I travel along very isolated roads & tracks that go hundreds of k’s & you see nobody. On the back of my GU Patrol Td42ti ute i have a slide on/off Palomino camper & tow my WR450F dirt bike & it’s not cheap & pulling into some outback towns for fuel & supplies i can’t take my eyes off my truck & especially with firearms inside even though locked up I’m still weary. And when driving Nah no chance I’m stopping by myself. Last summer i was driving along the Capricorn Hwy headed to Longreach & Van was on the road stopped & a chick stood wanting me to stop? Who’s in the van? I’m sure i seen her boyfriend/guy from further back. I just made a phone gesture & pointed to town meaning i’ll tell cops your broken down. I ain’t stopping my truck for nobody, they see my interstate number plates & my vehicle full of expensive accessories & my camper & dirt bike = 💰. I’ve had a few dramas & close calls & been blocked in at a artesian bore & surrounded by 12 drunk’n black fellas trying to break in & get my dirt bike off my trailer & started to climb over my bullbar & on my bonnet & trying to smash my windows. Not sure what happened but suddenly they ran away, not sure what i had in my hands? But it sure scared them. It’s strange because I’ve always been cool as with black fellas 👍. Nah i ain’t stopping it’s just way to isolated out there in the outback especially by myself. Oh I’d stop for a interstate truck driver there cool A F & help them, except for Old mate turbo get bailed up at a roadhouse & asked to help pay his diesel fuel bill because his credit card declined Again, nah nah nah i’ll pay ya back on the 12th? Yeh the 12th/of/never.
😂 🇭🇲 God bless ya cobber
Phenomenal experience. Karma to the bad guys and to the doubters.
That's one rugged story , great channel !
That is crazy, why would he lie about being robbed. I’m so thankful he made it out alive. God is good 🙌🏼
Why do people lie about anything?
They have something to hide...
The Ricky Megee story.
A brave young Australian who risked his life due to the lack of knowledge of survival in inhospitable and lonely Australia, which I have dared and crossed on several occasions not in a 4x4 but in an HT utility and with all my mechanic's tools, the load I was carrying exceeded eight hundred kilos, I also had spare parts to rebuild a gearbox or the same engine, someone called me crazy when we met on the road, they in a 4x4 and accompanied by friends or family, I always told them that if I did it it was because I was physically and mentally prepared for any setback that might arise, one day after a month of traveling I arrived at Dampies in the north of the W.A having left MT Isa in Q.L.D towards Perth always walking on dirt roads, when I arrived at my destination the work had already finished and again back to Perth where I got a Caltex Meltham Gas Station, When people asked me how I could have done such madness, I told them that it was not madness for a commando of the Spanish Legion in the Wester Sahara, who on several occasions traveled on foot.
Wow. I can kind of understand the scepticism about survival in that incredibly inhospitable environment, but those photos - he was pretty effing gaunt when found. And I can't imagine anyone hanging out in that remote location in that condition just hoping someone would stumble across him - for what gain?
Agreed. That would be pretty damn drastic ordeal to go through just for attention. How he got there induces some doubt.
Police generally speaking aren't that smart and one can imagine they're not the cream of the crop at some random cattle station town.
@@outdoordisasters just wondering why his account isn't believed. It was mentioned in the story and again in the comment so apparently there must be some controversy even though his vehicle was later found as described.
@@pakde8002 I’m trying to figure that out too
@Pak De I don't believe it. I believe that he could have broken down, got lost and wandered for a while but I don't believe the carjacking. It's really rare for Australian Indigenous to attack people like Megee describes, let alone them having date R drugs, or sedatives of any sort to spare. Since they found the car - I believe - then the alleged carjackers got nothing out of the deal, so it doesn't make sense. I'm not saying Aboriginal peolle here don't commit crimes but in the outback this sort of crime would be unprecedented. People need others to survive out there and the carjackers hanging around for days or weeks off the Stuart Highway in the middle of nowhere, with a pocket of rohypnol or such, is a nonsense. If you wanted to steal you'd hang around the big towns there. Police couldn't find evidence of the carjackers and I tend to think Megee changing his story to include the carjackers just made breaking down in the outback story more interesting. Totally believe the poor bugger got stranded out there though. It would be horrendous.
Lots of thoughts. How did he get the blades off the windmill? Wouldn't that require some tools? Wouldn't it be better to stay with the river as that might well go to some kind of civilization? Lots more thoughts but others have asked most of them.
Ricky’s story makes the movie cast away look like child’s play. If you want to find the toughest and most resilient forms of life, look no further then in the desert.
Doesn't matter how he got there, what matters is he survived. Nobody does this to themselves for fun and in the off chance they will be found.
I couldn't have said it better.
Yeah people do. There is such a thing as mental illness. People drive into tornadoes just to say they did it.
I'm curious to know why people didn't believe his story... Anyhow, amazing tale of survival, and well-told.
Well there is the story of the British tourists in the outback in Australia, where they were pulled over by a guy who shot the male backpacker and the female managed to escape.
The police were sceptical, the press were sceptical! The poor girl was absolutely traumatized and was given a very hard time.
Going by this and other stories since, they are more likely real than not.
Very sad
@Chris Cheffings that's an interesting story. Should be covered on this channel as well l reckon. There was a doco on this not long ago and a few points were brought up that the majority of people weren't aware of and made the whole story seem mighty suspect
He changed it over time. They never found any evidence of criminal activity against him. The account/s of being drugged showed a degree of pre-planned preparation that don't necessarily add up to a crime of this nature - it's a real outlier, in terms of credibility. I don't know who these Indigenous Australians are, hanging out in The Outback with these kinds of drugs? He also had some past criminal history of his own... this doesn't make him unbelievable in and of itself, though. I also understand that, despite this well-presented video, they did NOT find his car (although this may be superseded by subsequent information) and that accounts of his many wanderings may actually be able to be reduced to "he walked for ten days then stayed in one location for weeks" - meaning his travails were not nearly so wide-ranging.
All food for thought - and better than dry-roasted frogs 😕
@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 Thanks! I was really so l curious as to the reason. That makes sense.
I thought the same thing
It would be great to hear the rest of the story being that him and a bunch of his friends went back out to where this all happened and the same people were there pulling the same stunt but this time there was a different outcome.
A very different outcome
Say no more...
We've never not believed Ricki's story. He is an incredible survivor!! Hearing it again has reminded me to survive and do what I can to make it happen. Australia is vast and vastly inhospitable, beautiful but deadly.
Many people do not believe him. They believe he survived in the outback but they don’t believe the story leading up to it, and a lot of things mentioned don’t add up, from what I’ve heard. Haven’t don’t any research into the claims bc I really don’t care either way 😂
@@Kelly-gl5rl With him having admitted he was drinking, it kind of makes sense that he would cover up for his own accident by claiming to have been drugged. Not saying that's what happened of course, but I can see why someone would be skeptical. It's in human nature to not want to admit that the reason you almost died is completely your own fault, why not blame it on some aboriginals that no-one will ever be able to locate. I know they went back and found the shelters he had built, so I wonder if he ever located the "grave".
This is one of the most triumphant survival stories I've heard but quite a few things bother me. Why didn't the police and people believe him? Who would have done this to oneself? And, why there was no rescue attempt from his family at all?
They had no idea where to look.
If he was intoxicated and ran his own car off the road, he absolutely could have "done this to" himself. Not with any intent. Just.... stupidity.
@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 he was drugged, his passenger put something in his drink, he wasnt stupidly intoxicated
Think about it, Kokonana. It's a big land.
I've heard of this story, but I have so many questions about his account. I don't doubt he was stranded, but me and a lot of people who heard this story (and the subsequent tales he later told, all giving different versions of the same story) think that he must have been drink-driving and crashed his car, waking up to a nightmare scenario. This, of course, does not sell to tabloids and the mindset of Australians at the time was largely anti-aboriginal, so making up a mugging story makes sense. I think his original recount - crashing on his own - is the true version, but it obviously wouldn't have drummed up a lot of public sympathy.
Still a perilous tale of survival, but one from a very unreliable narrator.
Also, obsessed with your channel and your distinct narration style! Immediately subbed! Keep up the incredible work
first time i've seen this in doco form. I have Rickys book in my collection, many more details in the book. Might have to read it again
I read the book when researching this story. It's fascinating, and for brevity's sake, had to leave out many details. Highly recommend reading his book if anyone has any interest in this story.
What’s crazy is that he showed kindness and got treated so badly. And he was at risk of being ignored, or worse, suspected of being the same type of person he encountered along his way. Yet, somehow, the kindness of strangers came through in the most ironic way possible. Thank God that crime doesn’t kill all the random and selfless acts of kindness we still have in this world.
Losing in outback Australia so difficult to indure scary, farming land is so huge can't even see movement even trap inside the property, good he was rescued before it's too late
Wow the fact that people doubted his story is just unbelievable. What this poor guy had to go through is amazing. Wow you are an incredible human being. So glad he survived... To tell his story....
He keeps changing his story, Police could not find anything, the whole thing is suss
@@lot6129why would he make this up though
@@lot6129 In all due respect to police, they're definitely guilty of not investigating situations at times, either improperly or not at all! And also, they can be, and often are, very biased.
Moral of the story, never share your beer.
On a serious note though from someone who has smashed a car window before I don’t think you would smash a window on a moving vehicle then climb through getting cut to pieces unless he clung to the side of a swerving vehicle whilst picking out broken glass to make it safe enough to not to disembowel yourself on the way in.
and to not be able to shake the person off your car by swerving and braking hard I find hard to believe.
I think that would cause anyone to fly off like a rag doll.
Another plausible explanation is he had 10 to any rum cans and lost control of his vehicle on a dusty bend, left the road and crashed his car, then he wondered off and got lost and to avoid being charged with DD he made up the whole story
I drive into outback Nth QLD on a road where some one takes rifle shots at people. Some people have disappeared. I have been fortunate nothing ever happened to any family members or myself.
I’ve seen a pack of dingoes tear down a full grown kangaroo in 8 seconds flat. So this guy was really lucky.
The first rule of surviving in the outback is don’t leave your vehicle. Although in this circumstance Ricky didn’t have that option.
New sub here👍👍👍thank you and you have such a great voice .
WOW! JUST WOW!!!Excruciating. I thought I might lie down and die listening to this man's fight to survive. All the pain and suffering I've experienced in my lifetime pale in comparison. Shame shame double shame, everybody knows my name.
Well yours was over your lifetime. In all due respect to him, his was over months. And that's not to say he hasn't had other deep suffering over his life.
I really need to watch this whenever I feel like my life is hard. Holy shit. I would have a hard time not spending the rest of my life searching for.the fucks that did this to me.
I love ur videos! Just don’t forget all of us little people who where here from the very beginning when u become famous & hit 5 mil! Cuz I know ul get there fast!
I appreciate it! I like my boutique channel right now. I'm able to respond to the many kind comments like yours. It really means a lot.
Outdoor disaster stories are the best!
Love your voice! Feels like I’m watching a movie with narration! ❤
That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Everything in the Australian Outback is trying to kill you.
🤣🤣🤣Thats ALMOST totally correct!!
Good grief.😮
Life is precious. Fighting to stay alive. Respect.
Now this story is quite a Walkabout!
Tell me about it! So happy he survived.
@@outdoordisasters Yes, he did certainly make it into the spirit world on this experience - that is a right of passage! Glad to know he made it out okay. Quite an incredible journey. TY for sharing.
Great story thanks !
What a horrifying tale, that poor guy suffered beyond belief. Even in normal circumstances a tooth problem like that is pure misery, to have to deal with it in that brutal way is an unimaginable nightmare.
Someone said he deserved a medal,i wouldn't argue with that. Hope he fully recovered, physically at least.
Man!! When you feel'n the Blues, an you come across Muddy Waters!! Damn!!
In some states in Australia, there is a law that makes it an offence not to stop and assist a stranded vehicle. Fines & demerit points are applied to the offender....
I remember being warned about a particular town in country NSW, being advised that if u breakdown in or near that town to leave the vehicle as the locals wont hesitate to hurt u as they stripped it of anything of value. Supposedly it was well known for truckers to just roll right thru that town, no stopping until u were in the next town.
Oh my Lord, just listening to this story until the end was exhausting. I am truly amazed by this man’s courage, and spirit and will to live. The agony, pain, desperation and hopelessness of it all, would be just too much for most regular people. I truly believe it was God’s divine intervention that enabled his eventual rescue. It really makes me angry and astonishes me, that the authorities were not willing to believe his story. WTF,, why the F**K would someone make up a story like that. I’m from Australia and I’m sure most other aussies are aware of the issues our indigenous Aboriginal people face, especially in remote & rural areas. There is no doubt in mind that his story is true. I’m so glad everything worked out for him in the end💛💛💛
Well said. Thank you for your comment, and watching the vid!
Wow! I did a bit of reading on this story and it sounds like he gave some contradictory accounts of how he was stranded. Either way it’s amazing he was able to survive for that long in the Outback.
In many instances I wouldn't completely trust police OR newspapers/media. The media is so corrupt!!!
New sub here 😊now watching ALL your videos...fantastic..
Mentally and physically one hell of a strong guy. Can't say more than that. 🏜️
I live in Australia and I'm shocked by this story. 😳
So glad he made it. Hope he fully recovered 🙏🙏🙏
Australian cops not believing him “nothing new” they did not believe Dingoes would take a baby.
Well done on surviving 👍👏🏼🙏
The thing about remote Australia is you get all sorts of characters out there and little policing. People go there for all sorts of reasons to go off grid and escape the mainstream. And yes it is Aboriginal land for most part. If you don’t have a reason to be somewhere then don’t go there. You don’t just breeze into communities without notice or a guide. It isn’t a tourist park even though invested parties like to spruik it as such. It is a long way between towns and any health care or other amenities and food costs a bomb so you need to take everything with you. The people that rob you are likely to have nothing and less to lose so just keep that in mind.
I read Ricky's book, and a lot of this is summarised from my memory of the story. Pretty sure after he was offered the government job, he made the journey from the Port Hedland area to Adelaide because he promised a friend he'd take his son down there or something, and wanted to do the journey before he started his job... and came across the stranded aboriginals he was ambushed by on his way back from that journey.
you dont stop for no one in the out back ,especially the abbos
The difference between living and dyeing is trying to live till tomorrow
No:1 unwritten rule in the northern territory, never ever stop for an abo. Even if they jump out in front of you, this fella was actually lucky.
And there's been horrific stories of people been murdered by crazed whites.
In the outback!
White people are so innocent 😇😇
Why don't you go back to your own country ?
They actually treated him relatively hospitable. Even gave him a bed to kip in.
We travelled from Perth to Broome, Broome to Albany and Albany to Perth and never had any problems. I love Australia 🇦🇺. Iam from South Africa and I have never felt safer than travelling in outback 🇦🇺 Australia.
I have no doubt he survived out there, but anyone whos grown up in the Australian outback knows that initial story is 100% BS!
I agree,the mugging story seems a bit far fetched,71 days in the outback is a long stretch,was the no search parties and trackers looking for him,after all he was expected in HC by a friend,the alarm should have been raised pretty quickly.
You did extremely well to survive bro but broke the golden rule that is stop for no one let the 3:47 cops etc know at the next town etc
His story dramatically changed and police where unable to find evidence that a crime had been committed! Bloke was looking for a pay day so he changed the story to sell it!
yes the poisoning part makes no sense at all.
Biggest fake story evet
Every one of us is born to be famous or just plain ordinary human beings. This one is destined to be famous and on top over us all ordinary mortal beings.. a role model to follow for us in how to survive in the most harsh cruel difficult environment. ❤
this is the WORST nigtmare, i have ever heard of !!! HORRID situation and he survived !! truly AMAZING !!!!!!!!!
I'd love to hear the police response as to why they doubted his tale. The state of Ricky by the time he was rescued could surely not be contested. What was their theory to account for his predicament ? Were they just too lazy to follow up ?
My god!!! Did nobody search for this poor man?!? People hiding his disappearance from family members.. the people who would push for the search and rescue effort. Poor man! I’m glad he survived!
Remember he did see a plane or two, couldn't get them to notice him. The outback is just so vast!! Some people are never found!!