POLICE this morning will continue the search for a 54-year-old woman missing at Mossman Gorge just before 2 pm yesterday.
Police hold concerns for her welfare after witness reports that she was swept downstream in the flooded waters.
Search and rescue efforts involving multiple crews and resources, are currently being coordinated by police.
Yesterday afternoon the rescue helicopter was on scene with critical care paramedics onboard,
The Swiftwater Rescue Unit, SES crew and volunteers, and six firefighter crews were also at the scene.Β Β
The search was postponed last night for safety reasons due to darkness.
Police are in contact with the missing womanβs family. The search continues this morning.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Quote this reference number: QP2300032913
The incident coincides with local Police urging both locals and visitors to the both the Douglas Shire and wider area to observe and comply with signage warnings at swimming holes.
While we have many swimming holes that are perfect for a summer dip, there are still many places where the rising water levels can further conceal hidden dangers that can turn a refreshing dip into an unforeseen tragedy.
Rapid rising waters, strong currents, falls and slippery rocks have resulted in countless rescues and unfortunately the loss of life in far too many instances.
Local Police encourage all users to observe and comply with safety signage and to be aware of their own capabilities in the water.
Please be reminded that water levels can rise very quickly to dangerous levels in a very short period of time.
Locals are encouraged to share this information with visitors and tourists, who could be unaware of the potential dangers associated with swimming in fresh water in the far north.
This season has already seen rescues performed at Josephine Falls, with three people requiring rescue services after they became stranded on rocks under a waterfall on on January 4, 2023. Β
These rescues can not only be dangerous, but they can also be preventable with smart decision making by all.
It is important to make yourself familiar with local swimming dangers and be aware of your surroundings and think ahead.
For instance, while a swimming hole may not present any immediate obvious dangers, heavy rainfall occurring at the top of the range will need to eventually make its way down the falls and into swimming holes.
This can occur at a rapid rate and can sometimes catch swimmers off-guard.
Local Police hope that everyone enjoys our local swimming holes and picturesque surroundings while staying safe this wet season.
