Firefighters carry out bizarre ‘Humpday’ Camel rescue in Riverina floodwaters – VIDEO - Moama
Published: 27 Oct 2022 05:56am
Fire and Rescue NSW’s motto is ‘Prepared for Anything’…even rescuing a camel, stranded in the floodwaters of the Murray River near Moama.
The ‘Humpday’ operation unfolded yesterday afternoon when FRNSW’s ‘Foxtrot One” In-water rescue team, based at Moama, answered the distressed owner’s cry for help.
“Gina” the domestic camel had wandered off from her small herd on the property towards the river, ignoring repeated attempts by her owner to coax her away from the water’s edge.
The local resident was concerned because camels cannot swim.
After several days of failed efforts, the firefighters, assisted by the State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue and Surf Life Savers, were called in come to the rescue.
Travelling slowly from Moama Bridge to the Camel farm, in order to prevent a damaging wake on their hour-long journey, the crew used their boats on arrival to create a river barrier.
Wading through the river up to their chests, the specially-trained rescue technicians used hay to lure ‘Gina’ out of the floodwater and back to dry land.
She was soon returned to the herd unharmed.
For the Fire and Rescue NSW crew, their ‘dromedary’ drama was done and dusted.
These firefighters adding ‘Camel Wrangling’ to their long list of rescue capabilities.
Media Note: Footage of the rescue is available here: https://vimeo.com/764078915/c71085613b [external link]
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:13pm
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
30-32 Maiden Street, Moama NSW 2739
264 George Street, Deniliquin NSW 2710
40 Wakool Street, Barham NSW 2732