Two men and a dog were forced to sleep on the roof of their car after becoming stranded in a crocodile infested tidal zone.

The trio, who were on a fishing trip, became stranded in the Kimberley region of Australia after their four wheel drive became stuck in the mud on Friday.

They fled to the roof of the car after it filled with sea water during several tidal cycles, and following a close encounter with a crocodile.

The creatures are common in the Kimberley area, and this is known to be the time of year when they are most active.

The men were located in an extensive land and air search on Tuesday, after family alerted authorities that they had not returned home on Monday.


Broome Police Sergeant Mark Balfour said the men had been badly affected by the heat and were fatigued and dehydrated when help arrived.

They had remained perched on the roof of the car in fear of crocodiles which had been sighted close to the vehicle, he told ABC news.

The unfortunate adventurers are not the first to have become stranded in Australia's Kimberley region, a remote bush area frequented by those looking to get off the beaten track.

A family of eight was recently stranded for five days in the area, according to ABC news, and were only rescued when a family member trekked 60km to seek help.