A 49-year-old southern Tasmanian woman has drowned after her raft capsized in rapids during a multi-day expedition on the Franklin River.
The woman became trapped in the rapids near the Coruscades on Thursday afternoon when her raft flipped on the fifth day of a planned 10-day trip.
Fellow rafters performed CPR at the scene but could not revive her.
Tasmania Police confirmed the woman’s death this morning.
Her partner was among the 11-person group stranded in the remote wilderness.
“This is a tragic incident in what was planned as an adventure for a group of friends who shared a passion for the Tasmanian wilderness,” Acting Inspector Russell Judges said.
The incident left much of the group’s camping gear – including tents, tarps and clothing – lost in the river, putting the remaining rafters at risk in extreme conditions.
Rescue helicopters were deployed Thursday afternoon but could not reach the remote location due to poor weather and limited visibility.
A helicopter crew successfully returned Friday morning, winching all 11 members from their campsite near the Coruscades rapid and flying them to Strahan.
The group included Tasmanian and interstate residents who police believe were experienced in the Tasmanian outdoors and had organised the trip privately.
No other members suffered serious physical injuries.
Acting Inspector Judges said the retrieval was difficult due to the rugged terrain deep in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
“A report will be prepared for the coroner,” he said.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and their loved ones at this difficult time.”
It comes less than a year after a Lithuanian tourist had his leg amputated after becoming stuck while rafting in the Franklin River.
