A kayaker in his 60s, a foreign tourist, faced a harrowing ordeal on the Franklin River in Australia, resulting in a dramatic rescue operation that led to the amputation of his leg. The incident occurred while he was kayaking through rapids with a group in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park in Tasmania.
The man became trapped between rocks on Friday afternoon, triggering a 20-hour rescue effort. Authorities were alerted to the emergency through the man's smartwatch, prompting the dispatch of rescue units and paramedics to the remote location.
Despite several unsuccessful attempts to free the kayaker, his condition worsened as he remained partially submerged in the water. In consultation with the man, a decision was made to amputate his leg to save his life.
Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Doug Oosterloo commended the rescue operation as an extraordinary and technically challenging effort that spanned many hours. He expressed gratitude to all involved in the operation under extremely difficult circumstances.
The Franklin River, known for its rugged terrain and popular among kayakers and rafters, presented unique challenges to the rescue teams. The man was airlifted to a hospital in Hobart, where he remained in critical condition as authorities reached out to his family.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with outdoor activities in remote areas and the importance of prompt emergency responses in such situations. The dedication and skill of the emergency responders played a crucial role in ensuring the kayaker's survival.
