Body of 68-year-old man found in the floodwaters in Cobbitty in south west Sydney

Emergency services retrieved the body of a 68-year-old man trapped in his submerged vehicle in floodwaters in south western Sydney this morning.

Emergency services have retrieved the body of a 68-year-old man who was found in his vehicle that was submerged by floodwaters in south west Sydney.

The state emergency service (SES) and police were called to the scene at Cut Hill Road, Cobbitty about 7:55am on Friday morning after a man was reported missing.

The man’s white van was found trapped in floodwaters near Cut Hill Road.

Divers being transported from Cuthill Rd, Cobbitty to a remote scene where a body has been found. Picture: John Grainger

With the assistance of PolAir, police divers and the NSW SES, police officers retrieved the deceased man on Friday afternoon.

A Police Air helicopter was used to transport trained divers to and from the remote site where the body was found.

At 1pm on Friday, a helicopter landed in a paddock at Cut Hill Road and emergency services removed the body.

The man is yet to be formally identified, according to police.

Police officers remain at the scene, where sections of the road are submerged and will remain blocked off.

Camden Mayor Therese Fedeli said she was heartbroken by the death at Cobbitty.

“When I read the news, I was in a conference and I just couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Police and rescue divers have retrieved the body of a man found at Cobbitty on April 8, 2022. Picture: Annie Lewis

“It’s absolutely devastating and I’m just so saddened by it.

“The fact that it happened here in our own backyard. My condolences to the family.”

Ms Fedeli said she was inspired by the resilience in her community, but acknowledged a lot of residents were “shattered”.

“I was speaking to businesses and they had just finished cleaning up after the last one and now this,” she said.

“It is heartbreaking to see what Camden is going through.”

Police and SES on Cuthill Rd Cobbitty where parts of the road are completely underwater. Picture: John Grainger

Ms Fedeli urged all community members to heed advice from authorities and stay safe.

Camden MP Peter Sidgreaves said he experienced a moment of shock when he read the news a life had been lost at Cobbitty.

He said to have the emergency situation turn fatal was heartbreaking.

“Yes we are used to flooding in the region, but to lose a life is devastating,” Mr Sidgreaves.

Police and SES on Cut Hill rd Cobbitty were a body has been found in a remote location divers are going by chopper to the scene. Picture: John Grainger

“I pass on my condolences to that family and it’s so sad to hear that it got to the level where we lost a life.

“I hope the community comes together to help those who have been devastated by the floods again.”

The Bureau of Meteorology said a major flood peak similar to the April 1988 occurred along the Upper Nepean River at Menangle on Thursday afternoon.

While a moderate flood peak higher than the March 2022 floods passed Camden on Thursday night.

Major flooding is occurring along the Upper Nepean River at Menangle, with moderate flooding occurring at Camden and Wallacia.

The Nepean River at Camden Weir peaked at 12.21 metres around 10pm Thursday and is currently at 11.43 metres and falling with moderate flooding.