When three Shepparton brothers saw an elderly man get stuck in his car in flood water in Shepparton on Tuesday, October 18, they sprung into action to rescue him.
Anthony, Adrian and Angelo Portia were helping out at their father’s flooded house when they saw the 91-year-old man’s car get stuck in water at Longstaff St about 11am.
Emergency services had been called to help, but the brothers had a boat with them so they headed in to help the driver themselves, along with another man who was passing by.
By the time they reached the 91-year-old’s car, it was half full with water, with him still sitting in the driver’s seat, Anthony said.
The rescuers managed to get the man from the car and into their boat, and ferried him safely to dry land.
Anthony said the bizarre thing was, the road was flooded in Longstaff St, but where the man was living had been a dry area.
On Tuesday night, the brothers pushed the car out of the flood water and drained the water from it.
On Wednesday, they continued their good deeds and changed the oil for the man several times to see if they could get the car running.
They got it going enough to return it to him, but Anthony said it might need further investigation to see if there was any internal engine damage.
While the elderly man offered the brothers money for their help, they declined.
“We’re just helping people out,” Anthony said.
It was not their only rescue.
They also helped carry a neighbour and child in the dinghy on Sunday afternoon after the river rose.
The Portia brothers’ own father’s house was flooded, with what they estimated as about 10cm of water still through the house on Wednesday.
They have been back and forth a lot since then to get food and clothing out.
There were also several old cars in the garage, but it looks like all were saved after they either jacked them up or put them on bricks stacked three high.
They are now hoping to be able to get in and get the cars out soon.
Watch the video below to see the rescue.