Perilous River Crossing Triggers Dramatic Gippsland Helicopter Rescue

A harrowing night unfolded in Victoria's eastern reaches as four individuals were dramatically rescued by a police helicopter after their vehicle succumbed to the powerful currents of a flooded river. The group's attempt to traverse a swollen waterway in Gippsland took a perilous turn, culminating in a high-stakes aerial extraction.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening, approximately 8pm, when a Nissan Patrol, occupied by three women and one man, ventured into the Macalister River at Burgoyne Track, situated about 20 kilometres south of Licola. Despite the river being under a minor flood warning at the time, the occupants proceeded with their crossing.

As the four-wheel-drive navigated the challenging conditions, the vehicle's rear began to lose traction, lifting under the force of the water. The engine subsequently stalled, causing the 4WD to rotate and become ensnared by the relentless current. Swept approximately 25 metres downstream, the vehicle eventually came to an abrupt halt, leaving its occupants marooned.

Faced with their precarious situation, the quartet swiftly clambered onto the vehicle's roof, where they leveraged a satellite phone to summon aid. Their coordinates were transmitted to the Rescue Coordination Centre, which promptly dispatched the Victoria Police Air Wing.

The Air Wing helicopter successfully located the imperiled Nissan Patrol. An intrepid Air Wing crew member was then carefully lowered to the vehicle's roof, facilitating the safe winching of all four individuals to the safety of the aircraft. Though cold and soaked, police confirmed that the "well-equipped" group was uninjured and subsequently transported to hospital for medical observation.

The abandoned Nissan Patrol remains submerged in the river and will be recovered once the water levels recede to a safe degree. This incident serves as a stark reminder amidst ongoing warnings from authorities, particularly across parts of Gippsland, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution. Victoria Police unequivocally advises against entering floodwaters, even during minor flood events, and stresses the importance of monitoring local conditions diligently.