Jabiru police rescued four tourists from a swollen creek yesterday after their vehicle became stranded.

Police attended Magela Creek following information that a car load of German tourists were trapped in the middle of the creek with all passengers sitting on the top of the vehicle. Upon arrival police located the silver Mitsubishi Pajero about 50 metres from the bank, stranded in about one metre of water.

Police reversed their Police Landcruiser down to the stranded vehicle: the tourists got into the police vehicle and were driven to safety from the dangerous waters.

Despite passing a clearly visible road sign indicating the road was closed, it is believed the 63-year-old male driver was unaware the crossing was closed and did not realise the vehicle would not make it through the water; he failed to stop and assess the crossing before entering into the floodway.

Duty Superintendent Daniel Shean reminds the public to adhere to road warnings and stop and think before crossing flooded roads.

"Tourists and locals are reminded to pay attention to road signs. If roadways are flooded, stop and before driving into the water take the following into consideration:

The ability of the driver (to confidently drive through deep water)
The depth of the water (and possible undercurrents)
The type of vehicle driven (does it have a snorkel) and if you have to get out and swim to safety - can you or your passengers swim and are there crocs.
"Remember, the physical features of a road can change in flooded water; the road could be damaged or there could be debris over the road that can't be seen through the murky water" he said.

Media Contact

Rickie Scoot

8922 3185