NT Police confirm Blyth River rescue of driver

Police have revealed the pre-dawn rescue mission to save a driver after residents awoke to the mysterious 4WD and its trailer stranded in the Blyth River. SEE THE PICTURES.

“What the hell”: Catherine Connor made a shocking find on her way to her morning swim.

Police have revealed frightening details of how a 4WD became mysteriously stranded in the Blyth River.

On Monday, police confirmed a rescue mission was co-ordinated to save the driver of the 4WD.

During the early hours of Saturday morning police received a distress call from the driver who had attempted to traverse the river crossing when he found himself stranded amid the flooding waters.

Recognising the danger he was in, the driver climbed onto the roof of his vehicle and called for urgent assistance.

It was reported the waters had risen to half the height of the vehicle bonnet before police deployed to assist and safely returned the member to his community.

Superintendent Jody Nobbs said the situation was a reminder to prioritise safety in flooded area.

“Police would like to remind the public of the potentially life-threatening consequences of attempting to traverse flooding rivers,” he said.

“We urge everyone to prioritise their safety and avoid putting themselves and emergency responders at risk.”

Residents confused by sighting

Ramingining resident Catherine Connor says she has seen “pear-shaped” river crossings before, but a discarded trailer and vehicle in a river has left the locals of a small NT town scratching their heads.

On February 10, Ms Connor was on the way to the Blythe River when she stumbled across a bizarre scene: a stranded 4WD and a heavy U-Haul trailer stuck in a wet-season waters – much to the bewilderment of onlookers.

“I was coming over the hill for our swim when I went ‘what the hell’,” Ms Connor said.

“There it was – just a 4WD and its trailer in the middle of the river, clearly got swept up trying to cross.”

The mystery car was found to be locked. Photo: Catherine Connor.

Ms Connor, 61, said it was not known who the driver was, and how the incident unfolded.

“One of the locals swam out to (the car) to make sure no one was inside the car – sure enough no one was in there,” she said.

“But the car was locked, so presumably (the occupant) got out and decided they would come back for it.”

A registered nurse, Ms Connor said the situation served an important lesson.

Ms Connor said the current was stronger than normal. Photo: Catherine Connor.

“Be safe is the main thing – I’ve just done a 4WD course and basically (you should) walk in and test the water if you’re think about crossing,” she said.

“The current in the (Blyth) River was so strong, I can normally do butterfly in there but couldn’t today it was so strong.”