Four men were rescued from the Nepean River last night after their four-wheel drive was swept into the waters as they attempted to cross the swollen river at Emu Plains.
About 7.00pm, officers from Nepean Police Area Command were told the driver of a Ford Ranger 4WD and three passengers drove around a locked gate on Russell Street, Emu Heights.
The driver of the 4WD managed to drive through two river crossings without any issues; but as he attempted to make a third crossing, the heavy flow from recent rains of the Nepean River caused the vehicle to lose traction and was swept into the fast-flowing waters.
All four men managed to climb out of the cabin and onto the roof of the vehicle, before seeking refuge on an island in the middle of the river.
One of the men managed to use a mobile phone to contact emergency services.
A large co-ordinated emergency response involving officers from Nepean Police Area Command, the Blue Mountains Rescue Squad, Fire and Rescue NSW, Ambulance Paramedics, Polair and the SES managed to retrieve the men using SES rescue boats around 11.00pm.
All four men were checked by NSW ambulance officers before being cleared of any injuries.
A salvage operation will be conducted later today to recover the 4WD from the river.
