Britons stuck in van in crocodile-filled water

THREE British backpackers were rescued after their camper van was cut off by floodwaters in an area of Queensland, Australia, known for its crocodiles. The trio, in their early 20s, climbed on to the van roof as they waited to be saved.

They said they were “extremely grateful” to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, who said the floodwaters rose “quite a number of inches” during the rescue operation at 6am on Tuesday. Guy Bulmer, a rescue officer. said: “During the night and the course of the evening they noticed water entering the camper van and there was a croc sign quite close by.”

“The signs are not there for general information. It’s quite specific, there are crocodiles there.

“They went to the roof of the van and it’s not until the following morning that someone saw them there – they had no shirts on either.”

The group had arrived at the riverside camp, 15 miles south of Cairns, as others left the area following local flood warnings. Mr Bulmer added: “After we got them back to dry land they were certainly grateful. They had a cold and wet night. It can happen to anyone, and tourists don’t have local knowledge.”

“We did have people on watch in case any crocs did turn up.”