Rescue operation as man in Tasmania recovered from submerged 4WD

A 32-year-old was rescued after hours stranded in his ute in Tasmania’s Arthur River. Photo / Tasmania Police

A man has been rescued after his ute was partially submerged in dangerous waters in Tasmania’s northwest.

Emergency crews – including the Surf Life Saving Tasmania Swift Water Rescue Unit, Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police Search and Rescue – were called in to save the 32-year-old near West Takone on Saturday.

The man was almost swept away by extreme waters while trying to wade out to the 4WD stuck in the Arthur River.

He was stranded in the vehicle for hours before officials in an inflatable rescue boat were able to retrieve him.

Tasmania Police Inspector Adam Spencer said the man was “lucky” not to be swept away by the river current as they were able to bring him back to land.

“The situation could well have had a tragic ending,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

Police are still unsure how the vehicle ended up in the river, but first reports suggest a group were four-wheel-driving near the area before one attempted to cross the water and rolled into a section of the Arthur River.

“Tasmania Police will investigate the driver and any offences committed by them will be prosecuted,” Spencer said.

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