Police are warning campers and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts to the dangers of entering creeks and rivers in the Tasmanian bush after the rescue of a man from a partially submerged ute near West Takone, in the state's North-West.
Tasmania Police Western District Inspector Adam Spencer said the Surf Life Saving Tasmania Swift Water Rescue Unit, Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers were called in to retrieve the 32-year-old Burnie man on Saturday.
The man had sought safety on the tray of the dual-cab 4WD after almost being swept away as he tried to wade out to the vehicle stuck in a section of the Arthur River.
"This person is lucky that he was not taken away by the current in the river. While we were able to locate him and bring him safely back to shore, the situation could well have had a tragic ending," Inspector Spencer said.
"Once he got into difficulty, it was fortunate he was able to cling to the vehicle and pull himself up out of the water and take refuge in the tray of the ute.
"But he was wet, he was cold, and simply unable to get back to shore due to the danger."
The man remained with the 4WD for a few hours until the Swift Water Rescue team, using an IRB (inflatable rescue boat), was able to get to him.
"It's yet another warning that people simply should not be taking risks by entering flowing water or flooded areas, whether it's in their 4WD or car, or other means, such as wading into the water or swimming," Inspector Spencer said.
Police are still investigating how the 4WD came to be in the water.
Initial reports to police were that a group of people was four-wheel-driving near Relapse Creek Road and Farquhars Road, in West Takone.
It's believed a driver attempted to make a water crossing very early Saturday morning but struck trouble and rolled the 4WD into a section of the Arthur River.
About 11.30am that morning, another member of the party made an attempt to retrieve the vehicle. The man got into trouble as he waded out, forcing him to clamber into the back of the ute.
"Tasmania Police will investigate the driver and any offences committed by them will be prosecuted," Inspector Spencer said.
