German tourists get lost in the desert due to GPS error
Despite the fact that the development of modern technology helps tourists in their travels, sometimes things can go wrong. Recently, German tourists got stuck in the Australian desert due to a Google Maps malfunction.
The mobile app directed them to a closed dirt road, which ended up being a week-long survival test. According to Asianet Newsable ordinary trip for two German tourists, Philipp Maier and Marcel Schione, turned into a nightmare.
They found themselves stranded in the remote desert of Australia due to an unexpected glitch in Google Maps. The world's most popular navigation app led them to a closed dirt road in Oyala Tumotang National Park, which has been closed to the public since December 2023.
Traveling through the northern region of Queensland, the tourists relied on Google Maps. However, the program directed them to a remote dirt road, unknowingly leading them into the national park. When their car sank into the wet mud, they realized they were stuck with no cell service and no visible way out.
The German tourists camped for almost a week with their submerged car. Attempts to build a tent proved futile, and with no rescue in sight, they made the bold decision to escape on foot. Their journey was a real nightmare, as they even reported encountering a crocodile in a nearby stream.
A Google spokesperson pleaded guilty, confirming that the road in question had been removed from Google Maps. The company said: "We apologize for this incident and are relieved that Philippe and Marcel are safe. We can confirm that this road has been removed from the map."
It is emphasized that Google Maps relies on a variety of sources to update its maps, including third-party information, user data, street views, and satellite imagery.
Earlier, TravelWise told about a tourist who wrote a review about a glamping vacation. The traveler described what she would like to fix in the article.