On March 24, 2025, during a multi-day tour in the Kimberley region, a 59-year-old man was rescued after he jumped into the Drysdale River to save a 79-year-old man who had fallen into the crocodile-infested waters.

The rescue operation saw the younger man clinging to a tree in fast-moving currents, approximately 15 meters from the shoreline, and he did not require medical attention after being pulled to safety.

The older man, however, remains missing after falling into the choppy waters around 1 PM, prompting a significant search effort.

WA Police are committed to the ongoing search operation, utilizing all available resources, including police helicopters, to locate the missing man.

The area is difficult to access by road, which has necessitated aerial support due to the rugged terrain and the dangers associated with the waterways.

Detective Superintendent John Hutchison emphasized the challenges posed by rising water levels and severe weather conditions, including 93mm of rain recorded the day before the incident.

Hutchison noted that the adverse weather and difficult terrain in this remote area have complicated the search efforts.

The Drysdale River is notorious for its significant population of saltwater crocodiles, raising safety concerns for both the search teams and the missing individual.

Authorities have recommended viewing the area from the air due to the dangers associated with swimming or boating in the crocodile-infested waters.

Compounding the situation, a tropical low forming off the coast of Western Australia is expected to potentially develop into a tropical cyclone by March 29, 2025.

The Drysdale River, located in the Drysdale National Park about 2800 km north of Perth, is known for its inaccessibility by road and treacherous conditions.

Both men were part of a tour group exploring the Kimberley region, highlighting the risks associated with such adventurous excursions.