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Dealing with freezing temperatures, dehydration, a rolled ankle, and a snakebite, it was a missing hire car – and the efforts of more than 30 rescuers – which led to the safe return of a woman lost in Australian bushland.
EXCLUSIVE
An Australian hire car company has helped save the life of a woman missing in the Snowy Mountains.
Lovisa 'Kiki' Sjoberg was found "dazed" and with a snakebite in late October 2024 following a widespread search effort from "dozens of agencies", including NSW Police, the SES, the Rural Fire Service, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
However, it was the company that rented Ms Sjoberg the grey Mitsubishi Outlander she took to the Kosciuszko National Park – a remote area between Canberra and the NSW-Victorian border – which initially raised the alarm with police.
"This particular customer was a familiar face, as she rented from us regularly, and we knew her as someone who was always reliable, communicative, and prompt with her returns," Kirstie Phillips, Regional Operations Manager at East Coast Car Rentals, told Drive.
Staff knew Ms Sjoberg as a photographer who often visited bushland, and as someone who "never missed a return date or failed to stay in touch".
"When she didn’t return the car on time and wasn’t responding to our calls or messages, it immediately stood out as unusual – that’s when our team decided to take a closer look," Phillips said.
"Thankfully, all our cars are equipped with [satellite] GPS tracking, which allowed us to review our telematics platform and pinpoint the car’s location. We shared this information with the police, who acted quickly, locating the vehicle and ultimately finding her in Kosciuszko National Park."
After spending 12 days in the bush, Ms Sjoberg was discovered at Nungar Creek Trail, and was treated by paramedics before being conveyed to Cooma District Hospital.
Officials say Ms Sjoberg, 48, had been bitten by a copperhead snake four days before she was found, while also suffering from dehydration and an injured ankle.
NSW Police Superintendent Toby Lindsay said authorities held grave concerns for her welfare after temperatures dropped to zero degrees.
"She's in fact very fortunate to be alive, she obviously went through a tough time," Superintendent Lindsay told media, including 9News.
It was actions of the staff at the car rental agency which helped authorities to focus on the specific area of the Snowy Mountains, ultimately leading to her rescue.
"The reality is, no one had reported her missing for two weeks, and without the GPS tracker, it’s anyone’s guess how much longer it would have taken to locate her," Phillips told Drive.
However, Phillips confirmed East Coast Car Rentals only uses the satellite tracking technology in extreme circumstances.
"It’s important to clarify that the GPS is there for safety and security, not to monitor anyone’s movements unnecessarily," Phillips said.
"The technology is only used when needed, for instance, if a car goes missing, is stolen, or, in cases like the recent rescue, where it helped locate a missing customer."
While Phillips acknowledged having satellite tracking on a hire car can feel intrusive, the technology is used to protect their vehicle fleet – or to help authorities in rare situations such as Ms Sjoberg's.
"For example, we’ve worked with police to track stolen vehicles and provide data to solve crimes like robberies. These real-world examples help reassure customers that the system is a tool for their benefit, not to invade their privacy," Phillips reiterated.
"Knowing that we played a part in helping her get found safe is something we’re incredibly grateful for. It’s a reminder of how important our technology and trusting our instincts can truly be."
Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.
