A couple travelling to Weipa in Far North Queensland had a terrifying brush with disaster after their four-wheel-drive was swept off a flooded causeway on the Laura River.
The incident occurred on the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) near Laura on Tuesday, 19 March, prompting a major emergency response. The pair were attempting to cross the inundated causeway when the powerful floodwaters overcame their vehicle.
Dramatic Rescue Operation Unfolds
Queensland Police were alerted to the emergency around 1:30 pm. The couple, whose identities have not been released, managed to escape their vehicle as it was being carried away by the current.
They were found clinging to trees in the swollen river, a desperate situation in remote and dangerous conditions. A rescue helicopter was swiftly deployed to the scene.
The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter, based in Cairns, performed the critical winch rescue, plucking both individuals from the waterlogged trees to safety.
Miraculously, neither person required hospitalisation for serious injuries. They were assessed by paramedics at the scene and did not need to be airlifted for further treatment.
Authorities Issue Stern Warning to Motorists
In the wake of the near-fatal incident, police and emergency services have issued a strong reminder about the dangers of driving into floodwaters.
"If it's flooded, forget it" is not just a slogan—it's a lifesaving rule, authorities stressed. The force of water on a causeway or road can be deceptive and far stronger than it appears.
The Laura River, like many waterways across Cape York and Queensland, has experienced significant rises due to recent heavy rainfall associated with the ongoing wet season.
Causeways, which are low-level bridges designed to allow water to flow over the road, become particularly hazardous during these periods. Water depth and current speed can change rapidly, catching even experienced drivers off guard.
Broader Implications for Cape York Travel
This dramatic rescue highlights the perennial challenges of travel in remote Far North Queensland during the wet season. The Peninsula Developmental Road is a vital but often treacherous artery for communities and industries, including the mining sector around Weipa.
Motorists planning trips in the region are urged to take extreme caution. Key safety advice includes:
- Checking road condition updates from the Queensland Government's Department of Transport and Main Roads before departure.
- Never driving through flooded crossings, causeways, or roads of any depth.
- Being prepared for delays and having adequate supplies of food, water, and fuel.
- Informing someone of your travel plans and expected arrival time.
This couple's frightening experience serves as a potent reminder that no journey is worth risking a life. The swift action of emergency responders undoubtedly prevented a tragedy on the Laura River that day.
