SYDNEY – A pair of nude sunbathers who ran into bushland after being “startled” by a deer have been rescued, and promptly fined for breaching coronavirus rules, said Australian police today.
Police said the men had been sunbaking on a remote beach south of here, before they fled into the Royal National Park to escape the animal.
Emergency services launched a ground and air search after the lost duo called for help shortly after dark yesterday.
A 30-year-old man, “naked and carrying a backpack”, was discovered first on a walking track. A partially clothed 49-year-old was found later.
“It’s difficult to legislate against idiots,” said New South Wales police commissioner Mick Fuller.
“But clearly putting people at risk by leaving home without a proper reason... and then getting lost in the national park and diverting important resources away from the health operation, I think they should be embarrassed.”
The men were fined US$760 (RM3,152) for breaking stay-at-home orders by travelling outside Sydney, which is currently under lockdown to curb a growing Covid-19 outbreak.
Police said they were among more than 40 people fined for flouting health rules in New South Wales yesterday. – AFP, June 28, 2021
