Kayaker's leg amputated in Australia after 20-hour rescue

Kayaker's leg amputated in Australia after 20-hour rescue

A dramatic rescue operation occurred in Australia on Saturday when a foreign tourist in his 60s had to have his leg amputated while on a canoe trip. The man was trapped between rocks on a river, local authorities reported. He was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania state, where he is in a critical condition. Police said the man's family will be contacted.

The rescue mission

The man's 20 hours of suffering began at about 2:30 p.m. Friday when he became trapped in the rapids while kayaking with a group on the Franklin River. Authorities received an emergency signal from the man's smartwatch and directed rescue units and paramedics to the remote area, complicating the rescue operation.

The Franklin River

The Franklin River, which winds through the rugged landscapes of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, is 129 kilometers (80 miles) long and is a popular destination for kayakers and whitewater rafters. Due to the inaccessible location and difficult conditions, reaching the man was a major challenge.

Critical decisions during rescue

Rescuers made several unsuccessful attempts to free the man between Friday evening and Saturday morning. When his condition deteriorated after many hours in the water, the decision was made in consultation with the man to amputate his leg. "This rescue operation was an extremely demanding and technical operation and required an incredible effort over many hours to save the man's life," Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Doug Oosterloo said.

Thanks to the emergency services

Oosterloo also highlighted the contributions of the emergency responders: “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this operation in the most difficult circumstances.”