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In a dramatic rescue operation on Tasmania’s Franklin River, a 65-year-old Lithuanian man survived being trapped between rocks and the surging current for nearly 20 hours, though at the cost of his leg. The man, whose name has not been released, was scouting rapids with his crew when he slipped on a rock and became lodged in what river enthusiasts know as a “sieve.” These natural traps, where water rushes through narrow rock gaps, can become lethal when debris—or a person—becomes pinned.
The Franklin River, known for its remote wilderness and challenging rapids, has claimed its share of adventurers. For this man, however, rescue came at an extraordinary cost. Tasmanian emergency crews worked tirelessly through the night, employing pulley systems, hydraulic tools, and inflatable air bags to attempt to free him. Despite their efforts, the man remained wedged “like an hourglass” between two massive boulders, forcing rescuers to make the grim decision to amputate his leg to save his life.
A Test of Human Strength and Resolve
“This was the most challenging case I’ve ever been a part of,” said Mitch Parkinson, an intensive care flight paramedic with Ambulance Tasmania. The paramedic commended the man’s resilience during the ordeal, describing him as “exceptionally strong” and unyielding in his determination to survive.
The man’s crew, which included a Lithuanian doctor who served as a translator, kept his spirits up with hot food and drinks while rescuers fought the river. The doctor’s presence proved invaluable, providing both medical advice and a lifeline of communication as rescuers worked against the clock.
The Toughest of Calls
Callum Herbert of the Tasmanian police summed up the situation starkly: “This rescue was the worst-case scenario of the worst-case scenario.” Every conceivable method was exhausted before the team resorted to amputation. “He could not be physically removed any other way, despite using every resource at our disposal,” Herbert said.
Despite the grim nature of the rescue, the man’s positive attitude astonished everyone on the scene. His sheer grit, combined with the teamwork of rescuers and fellow rafters, turned what could have been a fatal situation into a story of survival against the odds.
What Was He Paddling?
While early reports indicated the man was in a packraft, aerial images suggested otherwise. Some have speculated he was in a Russian-style Bublik, a hybrid between a catamaran and a kayak designed for extreme whitewater. These discrepancies highlight the chaos and confusion often surrounding such incidents, especially in remote areas.
Echoes of Aron Ralston
The ordeal draws comparisons to the infamous 2003 incident involving climber Aron Ralston. Trapped in a Utah slot canyon by a boulder, Ralston amputated his arm after five days to save his life—a hauntingly similar test of human endurance and survival.
The Lithuanian rafter remains in critical condition in a Tasmanian hospital, but his survival is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the lengths humans will go to save a life. For adventurers, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s power—and the high stakes of exploring its wildest corners.
Photo: Tasmanian police
