Tourist Rescued After 20-Hour Ordeal in Tasmania River During Kayaking Accident

A tourist in his 60s had a frightening experience during a kayaking trip in Tasmania, Australia. He got his leg trapped between rocks in a river and was stuck for 20 hours before rescuers saved him, according to BBC.

“This was a situation about life and death,” said Doug Oosterloo, acting assistant police commissioner in Tasmania.

The tourist was with a group of ten when the accident happened on Friday afternoon. Police reported that he slipped and fell into a gap between the rocks while exploring the area. “He was well-prepared but not ready to spend so much time in a rock crevice with the temperature and water flow,” Oosterloo added.

Smartwatch Saved His Life

The tourist’s smartwatch alerted emergency services. Responders rushed to the location, but several attempts to free him were unsuccessful. “If he had remained stuck, he would not have survived,” Oosterloo stated.

Extreme Rescue Challenges

As the man’s condition worsened, doctors made the difficult decision to amputate his leg. This step was necessary for him to be freed, lifted, and flown to a hospital.

“This was an extremely challenging and technical rescue operation. It took an incredible effort over many hours to save the man’s life,” Oosterloo noted.

The tourist is now in critical condition at the hospital. The remaining members of the group were evacuated from the area, and police plan to interview them about how the accident happened.