Kayaker in Tasmania has leg amputated after becoming ‘wedged’ between rocks in river

A man in his 60s has had his leg amputated after becoming “wedged” between rocks while kayaking in Tasmania.

The tourist, who had been kayaking with friends on the Australian island, was partially submerged in the Franklin River when he became stuck on Friday afternoon, police said.

A distress call was made through a smartwatch about an hour later, with multiple emergency services including police, paramedics, the charity Surf Life Saving Tasmania and the Tasmania Fire Service attending the scene.

Several attempts to successfully free him were made during the afternoon and overnight as the man was “made as comfortable as possible”.

Police said a medical assessment the following morning “determined the patient’s condition was deteriorating” and after a consultation “the decision was made to amputate his leg to facilitate his rescue”.

The man was airlifted to hospital and remains in a critical condition, police said.

The rescue operation lasted more than 20 hours, and was described by acting assistant commissioner Doug Oosterloo as “extremely challenging”.

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“Every effort was made to extract the man before the difficult decision to amputate his leg,” Mr Oosterloo said.

“This rescue was an extremely challenging and technical operation, and an incredible effort over many hours to save the man’s life.

“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this operation in the most difficult of circumstances.”