Australian reporter says floodwater rescue 'terrifying'

Updated / Friday, 23 Oct 2026 08:17

An Australian TV reporter has described the "terrifying" moment he swam into rising floodwaters to help pull a man out of a sinking car.

Will Murray, a reporter with national broadcaster ABC, was covering floods in Brisbane in the state of Queensland when he saw a car sinking into the water.

He swam with local man Daniel Haley, climbing on top of the vehicle before opening the door and freeing the trapped driver.

"It was terrifying to watch what happened," he told the ABC Breakfast TV show.

"Thankfully this morning, after a good sleep and maybe a couple of reds last night, I feel alright," he added.

Mr Haley said the reporter had been given a nickname by locals.

"Mad Dog Murray... he's got a new name around here," he said.