Whitewater rafting trip ends in tragedy after woman drowns in Tasmania’s Franklin River

A whitewater rafting trip has ended in tragedy after a woman drowned when her raft flipped in rapids on the Franklin River.

Eleven people became stranded during the incident near Livingston Rivulet and Coruscades rapid in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park on Thursday.

Police Search and Rescue officers, helicopters and wilderness paramedics helped extract the group who were on day five of a 10-day rafting trip through Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area on Friday.

A police spokesman said a 49-year old woman drowned when she became caught in rapids on Thursday afternoon.

“Members of the rafting party performed CPR on the woman at the scene, but she could not be revived,” a spokesman said.

“No other members of the group – which included the woman’s partner – suffered any physical injuries.”

The group lost camping gear, tents, tarps and clothing in the river, which put them at ongoing risk due to the extreme conditions.

A helicopter crew winched all members of the group from a campsite near the Coruscades rapid and took them to Strahan on Friday morning.

Police believe the group of friends from Tasmania and interstate were experienced in the outdoors and organised the trip privately.

Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Western Division Acting Inspector Russell Judges said the retrieval was a difficult operation due to the remote and rugged location.

“This is a tragic incident in what was planned as an adventure for a group of friends who shared a passion for the Tasmanian wilderness,” he said.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and their loved ones at this difficult time.

“A report will be prepared for the Coroner.”