Two people rescued from rising water near Mount Beauty

TWO campers swimming in the gorge at Mount Beauty were rescued without incident on Saturday evening after they were overwhelmed by rising water levels. At approximately 5:25pm, emergency services received a call for assistance after a man and woman dialled 000. Police, Ambulance Victoria officers, Bright SES, Myrtleford SES and Mount Beauty CFA attended the incident. Police said the pair had been enjoying a swim before the river level rose quite dramatically and they had to make their way to the nearest bank. "The couple were unable to make it to where they had arrived at the river and were trapped on the western bank," Acting Sergeant, Tony Finlaw of Bright police said. "We had to run few a few different rescue options; we tried to throw them a rope, which turned out to be ineffective. "Another option was to airlift them out, however the water was rising too quickly and with a storm approaching it ruled-out using the Police Air-Wing to winch them to safety. "A local Ambulance Victoria paramedic and SES member suggested accessing the couple via the West Kiewa fire trail, as it didn't risk anyone crossing the river again, rather finding a way out by going up the bank. "We thought we would have to do a high angle rescue because the terrain was quite steep, but one member of the SES found a spur that was more manageable and they were able to walk down safely. "There were no further issues and it only took a short time to locate them and escort them out. "The couple were assessed by the Ambulance Victoria paramedics present and did not require medical attention." "The rescue was successful," said Bright SES controller Graham Gales. "Both people were recovered fit and well." The couple, who are travelling around Australia, were able to head back to their camp at Yackandandah at approximately 8:30pm that night.

Two people rescued from rising water near Mount Beauty

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