Woman Missing After Car Swept Away in Hunter Floodwaters North of Cessnock

3 August 2025

Black Creek Crossing on Old North Road in Rothbury (Google Streetview)

newy.com.au – A search is underway for a woman believed to have been swept away by floodwaters north of Cessnock on Saturday evening, 2 August 2025.

Emergency services were called to Black Creek at Old North Road in Rothbury around 7.50pm after reports that a vehicle had become stuck while attempting to drive through rising water. Police from the Hunter Valley Police District were told that the driver of a Mini Countryman and a passenger exited the vehicle, which had become stranded in the flood.

While the 27-year-old driver managed to reach safety unharmed, the female passenger, thought to be in her 20s, was carried away by the fast-moving water and has not yet been found.

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) crews arriving at the scene discovered a separate incident nearby, where a 40-year-old man had climbed onto a tree to escape the flood. Rescuers were initially unable to reach him before he was also swept away, but SES members followed him downstream and were able to bring him safely to shore. He was treated by paramedics and transported to hospital for assessment.

The search for the missing woman was suspended overnight and is continuing today, with assistance from NSW Rural Fire Service and VRA Rescue NSW.

UPDATE: The search resumed on Sunday and was suspended at 4:30pm and will resume on Monday. The pair were visitors from Sydney and were on the way home when the tragedy struck.

Old North Road remains closed due to flooding, and authorities are urging people to stay clear of floodwaters and obey all road closures.

For assistance during floods or storms, residents are advised to contact the NSW SES on 132 500.

Life threatening situations should be reported to Triple Zero (000).

Anyone with information that may assist police is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.