UPDATE: A tragic accident has unfolded during a whitewater rafting trip in Tasmania, resulting in the drowning of a 49-year-old woman. The incident occurred on the Franklin River on Thursday, October 5, 2023, when her raft flipped in treacherous rapids near Livingston Rivulet and Coruscades rapid.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene as the situation escalated. A total of eleven people became stranded during the incident, prompting a significant response from police, Search and Rescue teams, helicopters, and wilderness paramedics. The group was on day five of a planned ten-day adventure through Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area.
According to authorities, the woman became trapped in the rushing waters on Thursday afternoon. Despite the frantic efforts of fellow rafters who performed CPR, she could not be revived. “Members of the rafting party performed CPR on the woman at the scene, but she could not be revived,” confirmed a police spokesman. Remarkably, no other members of the group, which included the victim’s partner, sustained physical injuries.
The rafting party also lost essential camping gear, including tents and clothing, to the river’s strong currents, leaving them vulnerable in the wilderness. On Friday morning, a helicopter crew successfully winched all members of the group from a campsite near the Coruscades rapid and transported them to Strahan.
Acting Inspector Russell Judges of Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Western Division described the retrieval operation as challenging due to the remote and rugged terrain. He expressed condolences, stating, “This is a tragic incident in what was planned as an adventure for a group of friends who shared a passion for the Tasmanian wilderness. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and their loved ones at this difficult time.”
Authorities are preparing a report for the coroner as investigations continue into this devastating event. The rafting trip, intended to be a thrilling exploration of Tasmania’s natural beauty, has instead ended in heartbreak, underscoring the risks associated with such outdoor activities.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
