Woman drowns during rafting trip with friends on Franklin River, Tasmania

A woman has drowned after her raft overturned during a wilderness adventure with friends in Tasmania’s southwest.

The 49-year-old, from southern Tasmania, was on a 10-day rafting trip with 10 friends on the Franklin River, deep in the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, when tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon.

Police said her raft flipped near the Livingston Rivulet and the Coruscades rapid, sweeping her into fast-moving water.

Despite desperate attempts by friends to revive her with CPR, she could not be saved.

The rest of the party, including the woman’s partner, escaped serious physical injury.

Search and rescue crews tried to reach the group on Thursday, but poor weather and limited visibility disrupted efforts.

Much of their camping gear — including tents, tarps and clothing — was also swept away, leaving them exposed to the extreme conditions.

The surviving rafters were eventually winched to safety from a campsite near the Coruscades rapid and flown to Strahan on Friday morning.

Police said the group, made up of friends from Tasmania and interstate, were experienced in the outdoors and had privately organised the expedition.

The incident happened on the fifth day of their journey through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Acting Inspector Russell Judges said the remote, rugged terrain made the rescue challenging.

“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,” Judges said.

“A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

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