Tragedy Strikes on Franklin River: Adventurous Tasmanian Woman, 49, Drowns in Rafting Horror on Fifth Day of Dream Trip
- A 49-year-old woman from southern Tasmania lost her life in a tragic rafting accident on the Franklin River, just five days into a 10-day adventure with friends.
- The experienced rafter was caught in the powerful Coruscades rapid, and despite desperate CPR efforts, she couldn’t be revived.
- The remaining 10 members of the group, including her husband, were winched to safety by helicopter after their gear was lost in the river and they were left stranded in the remote wilderness.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a 49-year-old Tasmanian woman’s life was cut short in a devastating rafting accident on the Franklin River. The experienced adventurer, part of a private group of 11 friends, including her husband, was swept away by the powerful rapids near the Coruscades, one of the longest and most challenging stretches of the river.
The group, comprised of local and interstate residents, had embarked on the 10-day journey, but tragedy struck on the fifth day when the woman’s raft flipped in the rapids. Despite the valiant efforts of her friends, who performed CPR at the scene, she was unable to be revived.
Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Western Division Acting Inspector Russell Judges described the retrieval operation as “a difficult operation due to the remote and rugged location.” He praised the group’s preparedness and experience, saying, “We were very impressed with them as a group… they were obviously very affected by it but so resilient as well.”
The rescue effort was a major operation, involving wilderness paramedics, police search and rescue officers, and helicopter resources. The remaining members of the group were winched out by helicopter from a campsite near the Coruscades rapid and taken to Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast.
Inspector Judges extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, saying, “Thoughts and condolences are with the family and their loved ones at this difficult time.” A report will be prepared for the Coroner.