Boy, 11, sucked into drain during bike ride reunited with rescuers

A boy who was sucked into a drain while riding his bike with a friend in Melbourne has been reunited with his rescuers.

An 11-year-old boy has been reunited with his rescuers after a freak accident led to him being trapped beneath a drain.

Jake Gilbert was riding his bike with a friend in the Melbourne suburb of Altona Meadows about 4.40pm last Thursday when he was sucked underwater after riding across a submerged drain, police said.

Jake Gilbert with his rescuers Justin Costello from the SES, Damon Trewhella and Constable Peter Ivory. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

He was washed about 10m under a road before grabbing hold of a grate.

Despite battling a powerful current, Jake was able to keep his head just above water as he waited for rescuers to arrive at the scene.

An 11-year-old was rescued in Altona Meadows last week after he was sucked into a drain. Picture: Victoria Police

A passer-by, Damon Trewhella, and an off-duty SES officer, Justin Costello, rushed to help, with Mr Costello removing the bolts of the drain to access the now submerged boy before Constable Peter Ivory from Williamstown Police prised the grate open, with Jake still clinging to it.

He said “I love you all” before asking about some missing shoes. Jake was eventually treated by paramedics and taken to hospital.

“The actions of everyone involved were truly amazing,” said Sergeant Kristy Briffa from Williamstown Police.

“There is no doubt their quick thinking in the most dire of circumstances truly saved a life.

The flooded drain. Picture: Victoria Police.

“It just goes to show how treacherous and powerful floodwater can be.”

Constable Ivory said the force of the water was “extraordinary”.

“I’m so glad we could play our part in bringing the incident to a good resolution,” he said.

On Thursday, Jake was reunited with his rescuers and a new bike.

Jake on his new bike. Picture NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Damon Trewhella, Jake Gilbert Picture NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Originally published as Boy, 11, sucked into drain during bike ride reunited with rescuers