A 60-year-old international tourist underwent a leg amputation during a complex rescue operation after being trapped in the Franklin River in Tasmania, Australia. The ordeal lasted approximately 20 hours, according to Tasmania Police.
The man became stuck while kayaking through rapids, with his leg wedged between rocks. Emergency services received a call for assistance at around 3:30 pm local time on 22 November 2024. Specialist rescue units from across Tasmania responded, but the location’s inaccessibility and the river’s conditions complicated the effort.
“The location on the Franklin River and the accessibility of the area added to the complexity of the response,” Tasmania Police stated on Facebook. Despite multiple attempts to free the man throughout the evening and night, initial efforts were unsuccessful.
The tourist, who remained partially submerged in the river while wearing a wetsuit, was attended by medical personnel overnight as temperatures dropped to 13°C. His condition worsened, leading to the decision to amputate his leg to facilitate the rescue.
“A medical assessment determined the patient's condition was deteriorating. In consultation with the patient, the decision was made to amputate his leg to facilitate his rescue. The operation was successfully undertaken by the medical team, with the aid of specialist equipment,” the police statement noted.
The man was airlifted to hospital in critical condition after being freed. His family is being contacted by authorities.
“This rescue was an extremely challenging and technical operation, and an incredible effort over many hours to save the man's life,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Doug Oosterloo.
No further details on the tourist's nationality have been provided.