A driver has died after the truck he was driving went into a river as he was trying to board a vehicle ferry near Grafton, NSW.
The driver was attempting to board a ferry at the Clarence River at Lawrence, 25km north of Grafton at 10am today when it became dislodged and fell into the water, according to police.
“It would appear that the semi-trailer carrying sugarcane was moving onto the ferry when, for unknown reasons, the ferry has become dislodged,” Chief Inspector of the Coffs/Clarence Police District Guy Flaherty said.
“The vehicle has rolled off the back of the ferry, and become submerged, trapping the driver for a short period of time.”
Police are not yet able to confirm how far onto the ferry the truck was before it became dislodged.
A member of the public pulled the man, aged 67, from the water and performed CPR before paramedics arrived.
First responders also attempted CPR however he could not be revived.
The truck driver has not been formally identified but is believed to be in his mid-50s.
The Bluff Point Ferry is closed in both directions until tomorrow afternoon at least.
Specialists will inspect the ferry tonight before the truck is retrieved tomorrow.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Safe Work NSW has been alerted to the incident.
