Police are warning people in remote Territory communities to stay away from flooded waterways and any crossings that may be under water, after a 55-year-old man was rescued yesterday.

The man left Maningrida on Sunday to drive the Maningrida-Oenpelli Road in his four wheel drive, subsequently becoming stranded when the vehicle became submerged in Windmill Creek, about 100 kms east of Maningrida.

Police became aware of the situation at approximately 12:00 pm yesterday after receiving reports that the man had not turned up for work after the long weekend.

Police mounted ground and air searches and located him standing near his submerged vehicle at 6:20 pm.

Sergeant Rob De Vos, OIC of Maningrida Police Station, says the man was very lucky.

"It is quite alarming that this man chose to take on this flooded crossing, knowing the road had been closed due to flooding for the past five months.

"Upon speaking to the man, it was established that he was trying to see just how far he could get. He actually tried this two weeks ago with his vehicle becoming submerged in the Mann River, however was able to recover the vehicle himself.

"I find this kind of behaviour particularly disturbing as it took police and other agencies several hours and thousands of dollars to locate this man, who was obviously taking his life and the situation, into his own hands.

"I urge all drivers, no matter what their vehicle or skill level, to avoid situations like this as it can and often does end in tragedy" he said.

Police will decide wether the man will be held accountable for search and rescue costs.

Media contact:
Amy Sloan
8922 3531