Franklin River rescue: Man’s leg amputated after becoming trapped between rocks in Tasmania

A man has had to have his leg amputated during an “extremely challenging” 20 hour rescue operation after he became trapped between rocks on the Franklin River in Tasmania.

The international visitor aged in his 60s was rafting with a group of friends when his leg became wedged in a rocky area of the rapids about 2.30pm on Friday.

A call was made to emergency services using a smart watch about 3.30pm and a Westpac helicopter was dispatched to the scene.

Police said multiple attempts were made to free the man on Friday night and again on Saturday morning.

Police confirmed the man remained partly submerged in the water for 20 hours before his condition started to deteriorate and the decision was made to amputate his leg.

“This rescue was an extremely challenging and technical operation, and an incredible effort over many hours to save the man’s life,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Doug Oosterloo said.

“Every effort was made to extract the man before the difficult decision to amputate his leg.

“A medical assessment determined the patient’s condition was deteriorating.

“In consultation with the patient, the decision was made to amputate his leg to facilitate his rescue.

“The operation was successfully undertaken by the medical team, with the aid of specialist equipment.”

The man was then airlifted to Royal Hobart Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.