First responders rescue motorist trapped in raging floodwaters – - Dapto
Published: 06 Apr 2024 05:03pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have teamed up with a State Emergency Service (SES) crew to pull off a dramatic rescue in floodwaters at Dapto, south of Wollongong.
The FRNSW crew, from Berry Fire Station, was called to a vehicle swamped by floodwaters in Cleveland Street around 7am.
The land-based In-Water Rescue technicians attached a Personal Flotation Device to a 70mm fire hose and tried to float the PFD to the stranded motorist, without success.
The firefighters were then joined by a two-person SES team, and together they hatched a plan to wade through the fast-moving water to reach the woman.
The driver was fitted with the life vest as the fire crew used rescue lines to guide her and the SES members back through the knee-high floodwaters to safety.
No-one was injured during the rescue operation.
Media Note – FRNSW footage of the rescue incident is available here: https://vimeo.com/931341454/2df1cd0e67?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 06 Apr 2024 05:17pm
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
88 Byamee Street, Dapto NSW 2530
3 Russell Street, Albion Park NSW 2527
80 Central Road, Unanderra NSW 2526