2021 March floods: Elderly woman rescued at Ellenborough; Coffs bodyboarder feared missing

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to Elenborough at about 1.10pm on Saturday, March 20.

Due to significant flooding, emergency services could not reach the woman's property by road.

The helicopter managed to land at her property at 2.30pm where the Critical Care Medical Team treated and stabilised her for possible fractures.

She was airlifted to Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital in a stable condition for further treatment.

The helicopter crew was also tasked to Harrington where an elderly man required airlifting from his home with a serious medical condition. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital.

The helicopter crew said the assistance received by embers of the public in helping the woman was appreciated in very trying conditions.

Meanwhile, a bodyboarder has been reported missing after failing to return to the beach at Coffs Harbour on Saturday.

NSW Police said about 2.45pm, emergency services responded to reports of a male bodyboarder in trouble at North Wall Beach, Coffs Harbour.

Officers attached to Coffs/Clarance Police District conducted a search of the beach and water, with the assistance of a rescue helicopter and Surf Life Saving NSW but were unable to locate the man.

The search has been suspended overnight and is expected to resume at 9am today, Sunday, March 21.

Anyone who was in the area at the time, in the water or has any information is urged to contact police immediately.

Mid North Coast Police District Superintendent Shane Cribb issued a warning for everyone to stay safe and avoid making risky decisions.

He said the work of emergency services crews right across the Mid North Coast was nothing short of incredible.

"Right now we are here to support the SES who are the combat and lead agency in the management of this flood," Supt Cribb said.

"Within the emergency operations centre we have a number of support agencies here - we worked through the night to provide support in all areas and not just with rescues but to start looking at recovery.

"I want to thank the emergency services. They have been inundated all night, they have worked tirelessly all night. There have been some courageous activities that have happened.

"We need to remember that a lot of these people are volunteers.

"Unfortunately we still have people who want to drive through flood water. Not only do they place themselves at risk, they also place emergency services at risk which is disappointing."

Is this event over - no it's a long way from over. We plead that if people don't need to travel on the roads, stay off the roads."

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