A 32-year-old Burnie man has been rescued after spending hours clinging to a partially submerged ute in the Arthur River.
The man was forced to scramble onto the tray of the dual-cab ute on Saturday morning after nearly being swept away while trying to wade out to the stuck vehicle near West Takone in Tasmania’s north-west.
Western District Inspector Adam Spencer said the rescue involved Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s Swift Water Rescue Unit, Ambulance Tasmania and police search and rescue officers.
“This person is lucky that he was not taken away by the current in the river,” Inspector Spencer said.
“While we were able to locate him and bring him safely back to shore, the situation could well have had a tragic ending.”
The drama began early Saturday when a group was four-wheel-driving near Relapse Creek Road and Farquhars Road.
Police believe the driver attempted a water crossing but struck trouble and rolled the 4WD into the Arthur River.
About 11.30am, another member of the group tried to retrieve the vehicle but got into difficulty wading out to it.
“Once he got into difficulty, it was fortunate he was able to cling to the vehicle and pull himself up out of the water and take refuge in the tray of the ute,” Inspector Spencer said.
The man remained trapped for several hours, wet and cold, until the Swift Water Rescue team reached him using an inflatable rescue boat.
Inspector Spencer used the incident to warn campers and 4WD enthusiasts against taking risks in flowing water.
“It’s yet another warning that people simply should not be taking risks by entering flowing water or flooded areas, whether it’s in their 4WD or car, or other means, such as wading into the water or swimming,” he said.
Police are investigating the incident, with Inspector Spencer confirming any offences committed by the driver will be prosecuted.
