A harrowing incident unfolded along Tasmania's stunning Franklin River when a 65-year-old Lithuanian man found himself trapped between rocks for nearly 20 hours during a rafting expedition. Rescuers faced what was deemed as the "worst case scenario of the worst case scenario," leading to the amputation of his leg to save his life.
The man was part of an international group of 11 people engaging in pack rafting when disaster struck on Friday afternoon, November 22. While walking beside the river, he slipped and became wedged within the crevice, partially submerged as the fast-moving waters rose around him.
Emergency Response Initiated
Thanks to the alert provided by his smartwatch, emergency services were immediately notified of the predicament, prompting a complex and challenging rescue operation.
Numerous attempts to free the man were made using specialized equipment, including ropes and hydraulic devices like the "jaws of life." Despite these efforts, responders struggled to budge the heavy rocks holding him captive, with one responder recalling, "These machines have a capacity of 50 tonnes, but we were not budging these rocks at all," highlighting the severity of the situation.
Over the course of 10 to 12 hours, rescue teams worked tirelessly to shift the rocks using various tactics, including airbags and pulleys. Tasmanian Police Search and Rescue Sergeant Callum Herbert identified this rescue effort as one of the most challenging he had ever participated in. He emphasized the resilience of the victim, noting, "This was an exceptionally strong man, and he maintained positivity throughout the ordeal."
Throughout the long night, fellow rescuers provided warmth and hydration to the trapped man. Unfortunately, as time wore on and the reality of his situation began to surface, the decision was made to amputate his leg above the knee, allowing rescuers to finally extract him from his perilous location.
Language Barriers and Weather Challenges
The isolation of the Franklin River, paired with the treacherous weather conditions, complicated rescue efforts significantly. Language barriers also posed challenges; fortunately, one member of the victim’s group, who was also a doctor, translated between the trapped man and his rescuers. This collaboration was invaluable, as stated by Intensive Care Flight Paramedic Mitch Parkinson, who recounted the tension of conveying the urgency of the situation without clear communication. "We had to discuss the realities of his entrapment, and then recovery of him as a life versus limb discussion," he acknowledged.
Access to the remote area was predominantly achieved via helicopter, where winch operators completed dozens of rotations to secure the man, his rafting colleagues, and necessary equipment.
Rescue Outcome
By Saturday afternoon, the 65-year-old was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where he remains in serious condition but reportedly stabilized as the medical team continues to monitor his progress. Acting Assistant Commissioner Doug Oosterloo praised all emergency responders involved, highlighting their professionalism and commitment, which were instrumental during the operation. The coordinated effort incorporated personnel from local police, Ambulance Tasmania, Surf Life Saving Tasmania, and the Tasmanian Fire Service, with additional support from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Despite the tragedy of losing his leg, the team conveyed optimism for the man’s recovery, showcasing not only strong emergency response protocols but also the human spirit's resilience amid dire circumstances.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of outdoor adventures and the importance of thorough preparation and immediate responsiveness to emergencies.
