Operation to retrieve car crash body lost after police divers caught in current
An operation to retrieve the body of a man who crashed off a bridge into the Hawkesbury River has gone horribly wrong. Police have detailed the tragic turn of events.
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Divers attempting to retrieve the body of a motorist who crashed off the Old Pacific Highway bridge at Brooklyn on August 12 have lost the body.
Police have confirmed the tragic turn of events which led to two divers caught in a current and being forced to let go of the body.
Police said divers conducted 10 separate dives, with two divers per dive, to recover the body.
“The vehicle was located with extensive damage and was buried in mud resting at a depth of about 22 metres,” the statement read.
“Divers located the body of the driver trapped by confinement in the drivers seat with the only access being through the vehicle’s windscreen.
“The two man dive team has commenced their recovery in extreme conditions, with limited to zero visibility (0-330mm), water temperatures of 11 degrees and a strong current of 4-6km/hr.”
Divers became caught in the strong current and were dragged into surrounding debris including ropes, lines, bridge construction materials and branches.
Police stated Diver 1 became separated from Diver 2 and the body.
“Diver 2 attempted to surface with the body however was unable to do so and descended back to the to the river floor himself becoming entangled in bottom debris.
“Due to depth limitations and air commitment’s both divers were forced to return to the surface without the body.
“A second team were immediately deployed however the body could no longer be located.
Efforts to locate the body continue and the family of the deceased have been kept informed of the situation.”
Late last week, police issued an appeal for witnesses or anyone with dashcam vision of the crash. Emergency services were called to the location at 9.15pm after reports a dark coloured four-wheel drive had driven through a barrier into the Hawkesbury River.
It is understood there are some witnesses who spoke to emergency services on the night, but have not provided their details to police.
If you need to talk to someone, Lifeline is available and ready to help you by calling 13 11 14.
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