A Kayaker’s leg was amputated in a Tasmanian river after a 20-hour rescue to free him from the rocks

A man has had his leg amputated and is fighting for his life after he became trapped between rocks in a raging river during a kayaking trip in Tasmania.

Officials say the man, an international tourist in his 60s, was kayaking with friends on the Franklin River when he slipped and became trapped between rocks in the river on Friday afternoon.

Doug Oosterloo, Tasmania’s acting deputy police commissioner, said the man’s smart watch called for help an hour after it got stuck and a number of emergency services were called.

“Several attempts were made to get the suspect out yesterday evening and night but to no avail,” said the police statement. “This man is made comfortable as he is partially submerged in the river.”

The medical team stayed with the man all night. After realizing that his condition was getting worse, it was decided to amputate his leg to facilitate his rescue.

“This rescue was a very challenging and technical operation and an incredible effort that took many hours to save this man’s life,” Oosterloo said. “Every effort has been made to remove this man before the difficult decision to amputate his leg.”

The suspect was taken to hospital in critical condition, said the police.

Oosterloo told the Australian Associated Press that 10 other tourists who were traveling with the man had stopped kayaking and were on the beach when the man slipped.

“He was scouting the area and he slipped and fell into a rock hole,” he said, according to a CBS News colleague.