Rescuers tell of heartbreak after CPR fails to revive bull swept to sea

Rescuers have revealed the heartbreaking moment ‘Benjamin’ the bull was pulled to shore for resuscitation after a dramatic rescue attempt to save him ended in tragedy after he was swept out to sea by floodwaters.

Heartbroken rescuers have told how the dramatic rescue of a bull swept out to sea by floodwaters unfolded and how they desperately tried to save him before he tragically died.

It was a story of hope that brought the Fraser Coast community closer amid the devastation of Queensland’s first major flooding event of 2022.

But rescuers were left devastated when the bull they affectionately dubbed Benjamin died just moments from receiving the care he needed on a bank at River Heads.

It’s estimated he spent two days struggling to survive as he was swept away in floodwaters and dozens of kilometres down the Mary River.

Benjamin the Bull died at River Heads. Photo: Mindy Bell

Thousands of Queenslanders became invested in Benjamin’s story as rescuers took to social media calling for resources to help the impressive animal.

Mindy Bell was one of those who reached the bull by boat to offer him food and water as jet skiers circled trying to come up with a game plan and a helicopter hovered above.

Rescuers put a rope around the bull. Picture Lachie Millard

“As the tide rose and we were informed there were all hands on deck at the boat ramp ready for him with a standby vet, et cetera, it was time for us to act and try get him to safety,” Ms Bell said.

“We held his head up above water beside the boat with the weight of the bull behind us as best as we all could.

“Unfortunately there wasn't a vet there once we arrived and we tried everything to revive him.”

Rescuers try to help Benjamin the Bull at River Heads.

Ms Bell first went searching for the reported bull on Sunday night when she sat in the harbour with fellow rescuers from 9pm to midnight.

Little light and luck left them to leave the bull until daylight when Ms Bell was saddened to see the fatigued animal was still in the shark-infested waters.

Civic-minded rescuers were on deck from 7am to 2pm Monday, throwing a sling around him and towing him towards land.

They were close to getting Benjamin the care he needed - but just not close enough.

“This beautiful boy had no fight left in him,” Ms Bell said.

“Sorry mate, you touched our hearts and we tried with what resources and support we had.”

Ms Bell said she was grateful for all who stepped in and showed compassion for an animal who fell victim to the floods.

“I felt it would be less traumatic on the public community knowing people were doing everything to try save him rather than not,” she said.

Rescue crews work to bring a bull back to shore. Picture Lachie Millard

Another rescuer posted to social media asking for equipment to help before reporting CPR had failed to revive Benjamin.

About 900 people have joined a social media page which followed the bull’s journey and paid respects to him.

He is just one of hundreds of animals displaced in the floods which have devastated the Wide Bay-Burnett.

The focus of the group has now turned to a heifer stranded on Kangaroo Island.

People have reported that attempts were made on Tuesday morning to get water and food to the heifer.

A cow stranded on Kangaroo Island. Photo: Supplied