Kayaker Rescued After 20-Hour Ordeal in Tasmania Requires Leg Amputation

A 65-year-old Lithuanian tourist was trapped in a remote river crevice, leading to a complex rescue involving emergency teams and life-saving surgery.

The kayaker became trapped in a rock crevice on the Franklin River in Tasmania while scouting an area during a group expedition on Friday afternoon.
Emergency teams were alerted by the man's smartwatch, initiating a rescue that lasted over 20 hours in a remote and challenging location.
Despite multiple attempts to free him using specialized equipment, rescuers determined that amputation of his left leg above the knee was the only option to save his life.
The man remained partially submerged in cold water throughout the ordeal, increasing the risk of hypothermia and further complicating the operation.
The tourist, described as resilient and optimistic during the rescue, was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, with efforts ongoing to contact his family.