Daring River Rescue: Tourist's Leg Amputation After Kayaking Incident

During a kayaking trip on the Franklin River, a tourist in his 60s found himself stuck between rocks, prompting a complex 20-hour rescue operation by emergency services. The man was kayaking with friends when he slipped and fell into a treacherous rock crevice, becoming partially submerged in cold water. After multiple attempts to rescue him failed, medics made the critical decision to amputate his leg in consultation with the victim. This decision was deemed necessary as he risked losing his life if he remained trapped. The rescue team, supported by the man’s smartwatch alert, worked tirelessly in challenging conditions, and he was ultimately airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities are now seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding the accident and plan to interview the other group members involved in the trip.

The emergency services faced significant challenges, but their efforts were vital in saving the man’s life.