A man is ‘lucky to have survived’ falling into rapids at Babinda Falls.
Emergency services were initially called out to the scene around 5:20pm on Sunday, following reports the man fell into and became trapped in water rapids southwest of Babinda Boulders.
Rough terrain and fading light hampered rescue efforts, with swift water rescue crews finally able to reach the man around 11:30am Monday.
Senior Sergeant Ed Lukin says the man spent the night standing in knee deep water, unable to move for fear of plunging down a 40m drop.
“He is very lucky to survive this incident,” Snr Sgt Lukin says.
“We were very concerned about his welfare as daybreak was coming.
“He wasn’t wedged or physically stuck, he kind of got swept in behind the rock as the water was flowing past.”
The man was eventually airlifted from the scene to nearby awaiting emergency crews, who have transported him and another man to Cairns Base Hospital in a stable condition.
