Monday, June 16, 2008

Two lorry drivers are saved from floodwaters by farmer on a jet ski

Two lorry drivers have been saved from rapidly rising floodwaters in a dramatic jet ski rescue operation in western Australia.

The men became stranded on Saturday after trying to cross the flooded Nullagine River near Marble Bar, some 1,400km (870 miles) north of Perth.

Rescuers were unable to help the men for hours because their helicopter was too small to lift them to safety.



But a local farmer arrived on his jet ski to ferry the drivers to the shore. One-by-one, Geoff Mills brought the men to safety.

At one point, his jet ski became trapped under the lorry's trailer.

Police praised Mr Mills for his rescue of the two drivers, who were given hot drinks and blankets. A third stranded driver had been able to swim to the shore earlier, police said.

There's a longer video of the rescue here.

No comments: