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Three bikers swept downstream, feared dead
June 24, 2006 - 7:29PM
Three cross-country motorcyclists are feared to have been swept to their deaths
while apparently trying to cross a swollen stream in remote western Tasmania.
The trio and two other friends are believed to have been truying to ford Granite
Creek at a waterfall near Granville Harbour, 25 kilometres west of the town of
Zeehan, around 12.30pm (AEST) today when the tragedy occurred.
A Tasmanian Ambulance Service spokesman said one of the motorcyclists reportedly
became trapped in the creek and his friends tried to help free him but all five
were swept away.
Morris Hayes, a regional supervisor with the ambulance service said the alarm
was raised by UHF radio and a Westpac rescue helicopter and a four-wheel drive
ambulance were scrambled.
"From what we can gather, the area in question is very remote and we believe the
stream was heavily in flood," Mr Hayes said.
"It is very rugged terrain for four-wheel drive and off-road vehicles only."
Mr Hayes said the first paramedics to reach the scene treated the two injured
men, one of whom suffered serious back injuries.
Both survivors were airlifted by helicopter to Strahan Airport from where they
were being flown by fixed wing aircraft to hospital.
Zeehan State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers were also scrambled to the scene
to help police and rescue workers.
AAP
