A heavy-duty motorhome has been pulled from the deep and swollen Macquarie River near the NSW town of Orange after the driver made an ill-fated attempt to cross.
The incident happened a couple of days ago at Dixons Long Point Crossing. It is not believed anyone was injured in the drama, although there could well have been a severe case of wounded pride.
Several SES units, along with a heavy towing company, and an excavator from an earthmoving moving company were required to remove the 4WD vehicle from the fast-flowing floodwater.
On its Facebook page, the Orange City SES said the lesson to be learned was clear.
“It’s another reminder that regardless of the size, type or weight of your vehicle, how good a driver you think you are or if you’ve ‘driven this a hundred times before and nothing’s ever happened’ … never drive, ride or walk through floodwater,” it said.
While the full details of how the well-equipped RV got stuck in the water in the first place are not available, the details of how it got out are.
“The excavator was driven into the water with its bucket extended toward the stranded truck while an SES rescue boat crew and swiftwater rescue operators set up downstream safetys and ferried chains and slings to the truck,” said the SES. “Two of our in-water operators entered the water at the rear of the vehicle to secure chains to a tow point while the boat crew attached the chains to the excavator bucket.”
The organisation said that, once secure, the in-water operators made their way to the truck cab to release the brakes and put the vehicle in neutral to give the excavator an easier haul.
“Once all was set, our members got clear back to the boat and handed over to Paul in the excavator to pull the flooded vehicle free,” it said. “Apart from a dinged-up boat propeller the recovery effort by all involved was a success.”
Why do people constantly put others at risk, if it’s flooded don’t cross it, it’s simple really.
Glad they are OK
Obviously empty space between ears
Very Dangerous crossing I have just checked video – there are no depth gauges at crossing nor any signage, in poor light conditions, rain or night it is a very dangerous crossing – no indication that it is flooded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6244LCWi_gs&fbclid=IwAR1MB6-LmlbF65WUvdjsInHc3t9sa-ssH-lfbZT2vCyNSWMywyQQrwj8jsg
The amount of water didn’t give a clue?
whatever happened to If its flooded forget it idiots
Don’t know full story.
Vehicle may have entered when water level was low, got bogged or had mechanical problem and got stuck
Water level came up. Water can rise pretty quick in an hour
I think you are giving credit for something that doesn’t deserve it.
Yes anything is possible, water may have been low when truck entered. all it takes is one rock to stop you or get stuck on
You do NOT know how this happened. Years ago in Arizona…I was in a dip waiting for oncoming traffic to clear and…I was washed off the road! It rained heavily in the mountains and that was the time the flow met up with me. Dry…then…gone!
I drowned my 200 Series two years ago in a creek crossing that I have driven many times in the NT. It was earlier in the season than usual and l didn’t judge the depth. Got stuck in the middle and down she went. Very expensive lesson.
So this part of NSW not in lock down? Driver needs a lesson regarding flood waters wouldn’t you think?.
Everyone likes to blame the driver and abuse them. Like other people said, there could have been a mechanical problem that got them stuck there. The water could have been much lower at the time. Let’s support each other at this crap COVID time, not throw rocks at each other. I know, the armchair experts always know better eh!!!
I traveled Australia for 5 yrs and the stuff the wife and I witness is crazy stuff . The old saying is better to be safe than sorry . These river crossings always come with a big risk is it really worth loosing your rig that you worked so hard for to get on the other side . Mother Nature is never to be challenged she’s too big and way too strong for anything we can throw at her . I don’t like being negative however there are consequences for once action . Sadly loss of this beautiful RV . Amen
When will people ever learn?!! My husband was also this stupid. He tried to cross the Victoria River at 4 ft over the bridge?? He was swept off whilst in his Troop-carrier and then he was taken by a croc trying to swim to shore. He left 2 daughters without a father. If it’s flooded forget it!! I have no sympathy for those who still do this!!
Pull up put the kettle on ,and watch someone else try it if its shallow continue
If this crossing has water levels up, then that water is flowing