Google Maps error leaves German tourists lost and stranded in Australia

Google has since acknowledged the mishap and confirmed that the road in question has been removed from Google Maps.

According to reports, two German tourists, Philipp Maier and Marcel Schione, were stranded in Australia's wilderness after Google Maps led them astray with a faulty route.

The two tourists embarked on what should have been a straightforward drive to the small town of Bamaga in Queensland's northern region. However, Google Maps led them on a different route via a remote dirt road, which turned out to be the entrance to Oyala Thumotang National Park - which has been closed to the public since December 2023. What's worse is that their vehicle sank into the wet mud, leaving them stranded and lost with no cell service or way out.

Reports state that the two tourists camped inside their car for almost a week, even trying to build a tent, before deciding to attempt an escape on foot.

A spokesperson from Google has since acknowledged the mishap and confirmed that the road in question has been removed from Google Maps. The spokesperson also stated, "We apologise for this incident and are relieved that Philipp and Marcel are safe. We can confirm that this path has been removed from the map."

Source: TOI