A helicopter crew saved two men from rising floodwaters Saturday night after their vehicle became trapped near two rivers. The rescue happened close to where the Ōpihi and Temuka rivers meet in southern Canterbury around 9:30 that evening. Fast-moving water surrounded their car and prevented the men from swimming to shore safely. They climbed onto their vehicle's roof as the water level continued rising around them. The car slowly disappeared under the rushing water until only the front hood remained visible.
Search and rescue teams responded to help the trapped men during the emergency. A helicopter arrived at the scene to assist with the dangerous water rescue operation. The men waited on top of their sinking car for almost two hours before help could reach them. Rescue workers used a winch system to lift both men to safety at 11:20 that night. Strong river currents made the rescue difficult and time-consuming for the emergency crews.
Medical staff at Timaru Hospital checked both men for injuries after the helicopter brought them to safety. Doctors released the men to their families after determining they had no serious health problems. The men's relatives felt great relief when they learned about the successful rescue operation. Police confirmed that both men survived the flooding incident without major harm. Emergency responders warned drivers to avoid crossing flooded roads during heavy rain periods.
Search and rescue teams responded to help the trapped men during the emergency. A helicopter arrived at the scene to assist with the dangerous water rescue operation. The men waited on top of their sinking car for almost two hours before help could reach them. Rescue workers used a winch system to lift both men to safety at 11:20 that night. Strong river currents made the rescue difficult and time-consuming for the emergency crews.
Medical staff at Timaru Hospital checked both men for injuries after the helicopter brought them to safety. Doctors released the men to their families after determining they had no serious health problems. The men's relatives felt great relief when they learned about the successful rescue operation. Police confirmed that both men survived the flooding incident without major harm. Emergency responders warned drivers to avoid crossing flooded roads during heavy rain periods.
