A truck driver was rescued by helicopter after floodwater washed him from the Oakover River floodway and left him stranded on top of his truck, according to Main Roads Western Australia’s 2025 annual report. An intelligent transport system (ITS) camera detected the situation and enabled an immediate response. The official account describes a floodway, not a bridge, and does not say the truck was submerged.
What happened at Oakover River?
Main Roads Western Australia says an ITS camera at the remote Oakover River detected a truck driver who had been washed from the floodway and was stranded on top of his truck. The agency’s 2025 annual report says the camera observation enabled an immediate response, resulting in a helicopter being deployed for rescue. Main Roads Western Australia 2025 annual report
The report excerpt does not give the driver’s name, the exact time of the rescue, his condition, or his account of what happened. It also does not confirm that the crossing was a bridge or that the truck was submerged.
How did Cyclone Zelia create dangerous flooding?
The Bureau of Meteorology records that it first tracked tropical low 18U off the north Kimberley coast on 8 February 2025. The system became Tropical Cyclone Zelia on 11 February, about 280 km west of Broome. On 12–13 February, Zelia remained nearly stationary north-northwest of Port Hedland and rapidly intensified to category 5, reaching a peak intensity of 115 knots at 1200 UTC on 13 February.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- 【3/8"x 85ft Synthetic Rope】 Panther Series 3S winch features a 3/8" x 85ft synthetic rope with a 13,500 lb breaking capacity. It's perfect for trucks, jeeps, modified vehicles, trailers, and more, making it an ideal trailer winch.
- 【Design】 Dimensions: (L×W×H) 20.8"×6.3"×9.5". The corrosion-resistant Dacromet-coated screws add durability with a sleek design. When installing internally, ensure proper space for installation. This trailer winch is built to fit your toughest jobs.
- 【Packaging】 The winch package includes: 1 winch, 1 control box kit, 1 cable, 1 fairlead, 1 wired controller, 2 wireless controllers, 1 heavy-duty hook, 1 strap, installation bolts, OPENROAD sticker, and installation manual. Ready to be your trusted trailer winch.
- 【Installation】 Easy installation on the front bumper or winch bracket of your vehicle. Factory assembly is mostly complete – just connect power and secure bolts to get started. Ensure the bolt hole dimensions (10" x 4.5") for mounting this trailer winch.
- 【Warranty】 Lifetime technical support and a one-year limited warranty. Enjoy high satisfaction with efficient customer service. Whether you're using it on a jeep, SUV, truck, or trailer winch, we’re committed to delivering top-tier performance and reliability.
Zelia turned southeast on 14 February and crossed near the De Grey River mouth as a high-end category 4 cyclone. It weakened rapidly and was downgraded to a tropical low near Marble Bar later that day. The Bureau’s historical account describes a cyclone that had intensified offshore before landfall, followed by major rainfall and flooding inland. Bureau of Meteorology: Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia
How severe were the rain and river flooding?
- De Grey rainfall: De Grey station recorded 261.0 mm in the 24 hours to 9 am on 14 February 2025. The Bureau’s February summary says it was the station’s highest daily rainfall total for any month in 120 years of observations. Bureau of Meteorology February 2025 climate summary
- De Grey River: The river reached 10.23 m at Marble Bar on the morning of 15 February, around 2 m above the previous 8.3 m record from 1998, according to the Bureau’s event account.
- Wider rainfall: De Grey and Pardoo stations each recorded more than 500 mm over three-day totals, the Bureau says.
- Port Hedland: The maximum recorded gust was 120 km/h as Zelia’s periphery affected the town for about seven hours, according to the Bureau.
Flooding also cut the Great Northern Highway at Coolenar Pool for an extended period. Western Australia’s Emergency WA recovery summary describes intense rainfall, destructive winds, widespread flooding, severed transport routes, isolated communities and disrupted essential services. Emergency WA: Zelia recovery information
Rank #2
- [3/8"x 85ft Synthetic Rope] The Panther Series 3S Winch features a 3/8" x 85ft synthetic rope with a 12,000 lb breaking capacity, making it ideal for trucks, jeeps, modified vehicles, and versatile trailers. Engineered for strength and reliability, it’s perfect for any off-road adventure.
- [Premium Design] The winch’s overall dimensions are 20.8" x 6.3" x 9.5". Featuring corrosion-resistant Dacromet-coated screws, it ensures long-lasting durability with a sleek finish. When installing, make sure to check the available space for optimal placement.
- [Comprehensive Packaging] The Panther Series 3S Winch package includes everything you need for easy installation and use: Winch x1 Control box kit x1 Cable, fairlead x1 Wired controller x1, wireless controllers x2 Heavy-duty hook x1, strap x1 Installation bolts OPENROAD sticker x1 Installation manual x1
- [Easy Installation] The winch is designed for simple installation on your vehicle’s front bumper or winch bracket. Factory-installed components only require power connection and securing bolts for quick setup. Please confirm installation bolt hole dimensions: 10" x 4.5" before purchase.
- WARNING: Winch is for horizontal pulling only. Not for vertical lifting or hoisting people.
What the official account does—and does not—establish
The confirmed rescue details are specific but limited: a camera detected the driver stranded on top of a truck after it was washed from the Oakover River floodway, and Main Roads says that prompted an immediate response and helicopter deployment. The excerpt does not establish the precise rescue sequence or outcome beyond the deployment for rescue. The Bureau’s cyclone and flood information explains the regional hazard, but it does not add details about this individual incident.
The Bureau’s Zelia page is a historical account of the 8–15 February 2025 event, not a current warning. For historical recovery context, the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist page lists the declared Zelia and flooding event as 12–16 February 2025 (AGRN 1,185) and names East Pilbara, Karratha and Port Hedland local government areas. The page describes possible forms of assistance; it should not be read as confirmation of present eligibility. Australian Government Disaster Assist
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 13500 lbs Strong Pull: This electric winch delivers 13,500 lbs pulling force, making SUV or pickup recovery from mud or sand quick and stress-free without gear distortion worries
- High-Power Rescue: This 6.6HP motor of the jeep winch with a 265:1 3-stage planetary gear delivers steady pulling force. It runs long hours without overheating, giving you dependable strength for off-road recovery
- All-Weather Durable: The 3/8 in x 80 ft 12-strand synthetic rope resists sunlight, wear, and breakage. With an alloy body, the truck winch stays tough against dust, rain, and harsh terrain
- Secure Remote Control: The 65.6 ft wireless remote of the winch lets you stay at a secure distance while operating. A 9.8 ft wired remote is included as backup, ideal for mountain trails or areas with weak signals
- Wide Compatibility: The universal mounting pattern fits most SUVs, pickups, and Jeeps. The recovery winch set includes fairlead, hook, and power cables—ready for fast setup and use
Rank #4
- 13,500 LB RECOVERY CAPACITY — Built for demanding off-road recovery, this 12V electric winch provides powerful pulling capability for Jeeps, SUVs, trucks, trailers and other compatible vehicles.
- 3/8” × 80 FT SYNTHETIC ROPE — High-strength UHMWPE synthetic rope offers a lighter alternative to traditional steel cable while providing ample length for off-road recovery applications.
- IP67 WATER & DUST PROTECTION — Designed for demanding outdoor environments with a durable housing and 3-stage planetary gear system featuring a 265:1 gear ratio for controlled, reliable pulling.
- WIRELESS & WIRED CONTROL — Use the wireless remote from up to 100 ft away or connect the wired controller when you prefer direct control during recovery operations.The remote control uses a 12V 23A battery (not included).
- CHECK MOUNTING FITMENT BEFORE INSTALLATION — Designed around a 10” × 4.49” mounting footprint. Mounting plate is not included. Keep at least 10 wraps of synthetic rope on the drum during loaded recovery.
Rank #3
- 13,500 LB HEAVY-DUTY RECOVERY Built for demanding vehicle recovery, the 12V electric winch delivers 13,500 lb of rated pulling capacity for trucks, SUVs, Jeeps and off-road vehicles.All-Metal Housing — Built Tough and Durable.
- 1/2 IN. x 70 FT. SYNTHETIC ROPE The synthetic rope offers a lightweight recovery setup with ample length for common vehicle recovery applications. aluminum winch hawse fairlead with forged tow hook
- IP68 PROTECTION Designed for demanding outdoor environments, the sealed construction helps protect the winch from water and dust during off-road use.
- DUAL WIRELESS + WIRED OPERATION Two wireless remotes and a wired controller provide flexible control options when positioning yourself around the vehicle during recovery.
- BUILT FOR OFF-ROAD RECOVERY A strong choice for Jeep, SUV, truck and trailer applications. Confirm mounting dimensions, vehicle capacity and installation requirements before purchase.The winch is designed around a standard 10” × 4.49” mounting footprint. Mounting plate is not included, so verify your bumper or winch plate compatibility before installation. For loaded recovery, maintain at least 10 wraps of synthetic rope around the drum.The remote control uses a 12V 23A battery (not included).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
