In a dramatic rescue effort, volunteer firefighters from Tairāwhiti formed a human chain to pull a family of three out of a submerged ute.

The family were travelling back to their house in Ruatoria from Gisborne around 7.30pm yesterday.

But their usual commute was disrupted by terrible weather and they were unaware that river levels had risen.

Their four-wheel drive was submerged while crossing in Kopuaroa Stream off Waiapu Rd.

Waiapu Civil Defence co-ordinator and a volunteer firefighter for Ruatoria Fire Brigade James Palmer told the Herald this morning the family’s house was across the stream.

“It is like their driveway, due to the lack of a proper road they drive over the stream to get to their house.

“The weather yesterday was mild and settled in town, where the family had been for a day trip but up on the coast the rainfalls are heavy and as a result, the stream was swollen.

“The Hilux was halfway across the stream with windows up when we arrived. It was submerged and the people inside had water up to their waists while sitting inside.

“The man inside was able to speak to the police.”

Palmer said the crews arrived from Tikitiki as well, and other emergency services were also called to the scene.

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“Then we discussed the plan to get them out. We talked about safety and the best way to access the ute.

“We wanted to tie it so it would stop and not go further down the stream.

“We needed to get our team across the other side because then it would be easy to access the vehicle.

“Two teams went there. They secured a line, tying the rope... anchoring it to the vehicle and then the tree to stop it from flowing away. Afterwards. we formed a human chain that enabled the whānau to be rescued.”

Ruatoria Constable Justin Moore who was first on the scene told the Herald a child, a man and a woman were taken to safety in the rescue yesterday.

“I arrived at the same time as the ambulance. The car had water halfway up to the windows. Firefighters and local volunteer fire brigades joined us shortly.

“The plan was created. Blackbee, a local contractor got the digger out to help but it was too big. The firefighters got to the other side of the river with the rope forming a human chain and we were able to get the people out safely.

“They appeared shaken but everyone was uninjured. We could not get the car out.”