Hinchinbrook flood 2025: Ingham family feared for lives in SES rescue

A family that has lost everything in the Hinchinbrook flood disaster say they have been left “traumatised” after their SES boat almost capsized near the scene of a subsequent fatality.

Rawdon Pierpoint was discarding all the contents of the home he shares with partner Kelly Cassotti and their three young children. The house, which recently installed a $30,000 solar system, is severely damaged, unliveable and likely a write off. Raging floodwaters reached the power box and Ergon is still yet to restore power, if ever. Picture: Supplied

A struggling family that has lost everything in the Hinchinbrook flood disaster say they have been left “traumatised” after the State Emergency Service boat they were in nearly capsized near where an SES accident later claimed the life of Jessie Billy.

Rawdon Pierpoint, father of Ryley, 5, and twin autistic toddlers Kaeleigh and Alexia, was on Sunday toiling in oppressively hot and humid conditions, discarding everything from his likely written-off home in Marky St, Ingham.

Mr Pierpoint said he and his young family, including partner Kelly Cassotti, were still reeling from the aftermath of the rescue on Sunday morning, February 2 and a prolonged ordeal in Ingham before they were able to pay for an emergency helicopter airlift to safety with family in Bemerside.

He said the water began to reach the end of Marky St on February 1 but by first light on Sunday was a torrent of water threatening to completely inundate the home, which had never previously flooded, as well as other neighbouring houses.

“SES were telling us, wait till water enters the house and we were like, ‘nah, f — k that, get in now’.”

Twin autistic toddlers Kaeleigh and Alexia Pierpoint of Ingham. Picture: Supplied

Mr Pierpoint said that although thankful that SES arrived, he said he was immediately concerned when rescue workers failed to put the twin girls’ life jackets on properly.

“We had to do that, they didn’t even show us, they literally would’ve been happy if we just plonked it over their heads, not even strapped in or nothing.”

He said that as the boat was travelling down Davidson St, it encountered difficulties at or near the scene of the tragic death of Ms Billy, 63, later that same day.

“The water was funnelling, it pushed the boat sideways and it nearly tipped us over and obviously Kelly had the girls in the front … (the SES crew), they didn’t look like they were experienced for those conditions,” he said.

“They were telling us to hang on for dear life pretty much, we thought we were going to roll, the girls are screaming, they weren’t harnessed in properly because we didn’t get the time, so that freaked Kelly out, she’s still traumatised, she just keeps thinking about that.”

Rawdon Pierpoint, partner Kelly Cassotti and their three children, Ryley, 5, and twin autistic toddlers Kaeleigh and Alexia, on Ingham have lost everything in the deadly Hinchinbrook floods. Picture: Cameron Bates

Mr Pierpoint reiterated that Ms Billy’s death later that same day “was at the exact same spot as us”.

“We were lucky.”

He said they were relocated to a friend’s place in McIlwraith St, which also flooded, and was relocated a second time, during which time they were almost involved in a head-on traffic accident.

Ryley Pierpoint, now aged 5, with his twin baby sisters Kaeleigh and Alexi who are both aged 3.5. Picture: Supplied

Mr Pierpoint said it was “heartbreaking” finally being able to return to the property.

“Kelly can’t even come back because it is too much for her, she is broken.”

He said nothing was salvageable from inside the home, which would likely be written off by insurance assessors when they arrived

All the contents were lost, including photos and medical records for the girls, who in addition to autism, have Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, which is an overgrowth disorder that increases the risk of childhood cancer, he said.

“We’ve had paediatricians who have given us special sensory items for our autistic babies and now we’ve lost all that and have to rebuild all that.”

Kelly Cassotti with her eldest boy, Ingham State School student Ryley who is about to turn 6. Picture: Supplied

Kelly’s sister Katie McGough has launched a GoFundMe fundraising page to help the devastated family get back on its feet.

Mr Pierpoint said the family was loathe to ask for assistance publicly but genuinely needed help.

“We really just need enough for a car for all our babies and car seats and the kids’ toys, that’s the other main one, because of the autism they do rely on it a lot.”

An SES spokeswoman said its “highest priority is community safety and the safety of its members”.

“The organisation plays a vital role in disaster response and recovery efforts across the state, with many members and volunteers giving their time to serve their communities, often in challenging conditions,” she said.

“It would be inappropriate to comment on the matter at this time, as it is being investigated by the Queensland Police Service.”

Originally published as Hinchinbrook flood 2025: Ingham family feared for lives in SES rescue