Trapped Dog Clings to Car as Helicopter Lands on Roof in Daring Flood Rescue

In Australia’s Northern Territory, a dramatic rescue unfolded as rising floodwaters trapped two people and their dog on top of a stranded vehicle near Katherine—an area experiencing its worst flooding in 30 years.

Emergency crews were called after reports of a car “stuck on a creek crossing west of Katherine,” according to the NT Emergency Service. With the waters rapidly rising time was running out.

A passing helicopter became their only hope.

In a scene that looked straight out of an action movie, pilot John Armstrong lowered the helicopter close enough for Police Officer Ben Parfitt to be dropped onto the vehicle. From there, the mission began. Ben helped lift a mother and her son to safety first—but the rescue wasn’t over yet.

There was still a terrified dog named Seven trapped inside the SUV. Dramatic video caught what happened next.

What followed was a tense and delicate effort. With water rushing around the vehicle, Ben climbed onto the frame and attempted to reach the dog—but the windows wouldn’t budge.

Unsure how the frightened German Shepherd would react, Ben reached in first with a gentle gesture. He gave the dog a reassuring pat—and in return, the dog licked his hand.

“He immediately went to that window,” Ben said. “He appeared to know what he wanted to do, which was get out the car. The hardest part was trying to persuade him not to jump into the water.”

Finally, after a tense struggle, Ben managed to pull Seven onto the roof, holding him steady as John manoeuvred the helicopter back to the roof of the car.

With incredible precision, Ben brought the aircraft down to within just inches of the roof. Ben later praised the pilot’s skill, calling the maneuvering “inch perfect” as he grabbed hold of the skids and carefully lifted the frightened dog into the helicopter. Moments later, he climbed in after him—bringing the rescue to a safe and emotional end.

Interviewed afterwards, the pair downplayed their heroism, simply stating they were doing their job.

The pair are hoping the dangers to residents will soon subside but authorities are still warning people not to put themselves at risk, as more than 1,000 residents have already been evacuated and floodwaters continue to pose life-threatening risks.

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