Kayaker who had leg amputated in river rescue remains in hospital

A kayaker who had his leg amputated after he became wedged between rocks on the Franklin River on Saturday has been identified. SEE THE VIDEO.

Update 6pm: Footage has emerged showing the conditions a 69-year-old kayaker battled for 20 hours while trapped in the Franklin River.

The graphic video released by Tasmania Police shows early rescue attempts under the cover of nightfall, with water lapping at the man and rescuers.

The adventure tourist from Lithuania was winched between rocks after he fell, and was only freed after a decision to amputate his leg.

A second video shows the conditions of a steady flow of moving water over rapids.

The man remains in critical condition in the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Warning: Video contains a graphic scene.

Earlier: A male kayaker who had his left leg amputated above the knee during a dramatic rescue on the remote Franklin River on Saturday remains in a critical condition in Royal Hobart Hospital.

Scene of the Franklin River rescue where a man in his 60s became trapped and had to have his leg amputated. Picture: Tasmania Police

Tasmania Police confirmed on Sunday that the 69-year-old man, an adventure tourist from Lithuania, is still in hospital and significantly affected by the 20-hour ordeal in which his leg became trapped between rocks after he fell.

In a complex rescue operation, the man was extracted from the river, in Tasmania’s remote southwest, on Saturday after being wedged between rocks and partially submerged for 20 hours.

Map showing the area on the Franklin River where a man in his 60s became trapped and had to have his leg amputated. Picture: supplied by Tasmania Police

Multiple attempts with specialist equipment were made to free him, before the difficult decision was made to amputate his leg.

Specialist equipment used to attempt to move the patient from the rocks included an Arizona Vortex, which is a wilderness rescue tripod, swift water harness equipment; and Tasmania Fire Service equipment.

The man was with a group of 10 people on a pack-rafting trip when the incident happened on Friday afternoon.

The remaining members of the group, and their equipment, have been flown from the river.

MORE TO COME

Originally published as Kayaker who had leg amputated in river rescue remains in hospital