A car sank into the Brisbane River near the Moggill Road Ferry on Monday evening, prompting a large-scale search that ended with police locating the body of a man in his 60s inside the submerged vehicle.
Emergency Crews Race To Scene After Reports Of Car Entering Water
Around 6:45 p.m. on 12 May, emergency services rushed to the Moggill Ferry crossing after witnesses saw a blue sedan veer into the Brisbane River. Police, swift water teams and fire crews began rescue efforts within minutes.
Specialist divers and watercraft searched the river while police coordinated efforts from above. Fast currents and poor visibility made the operation difficult, with no sign of the vehicle until later that night.
Submerged Vehicle Found Hours Later
Authorities confirmed the vehicle was located underwater at approximately 11:20 p.m., nearly five hours after the initial call. Police divers entered the river and found the body of a man trapped inside the car shortly after midnight.
While the man’s identity has not been officially released, early information described him as being in his 60s. Police said the car had not resurfaced, and its location required a precise sonar-assisted search in challenging conditions.
Incident Not Considered Suspicious
Police said the incident is not being treated as suspicious. A report for the coroner will include rescue details, witness accounts, and the car’s recovery.
Emergency responders remained at the scene into the early hours of Tuesday to complete their investigation and remove the vehicle from the river. No other occupants were believed to be in the car at the time.
Local Community Shaken By River Tragedy
The Moggill Ferry is a well-known local crossing that serves commuters between Moggill and Riverview. Monday’s incident brought services to a halt and prompted concern from residents who use the ferry daily.
Locals expressed sadness, noting the crash was a reminder of how quickly accidents can happen on steep, dimly lit roads. Authorities are expected to review safety in the area.
Published 13-May-2025
