A man was winched to safety via helicopter after getting stuck in mud in Tonimbuk this week.
Emergency services were called to the property on Bridal Road about 2.45pm on Wednesday 27 August.
Shannon Munnerley was helping out on his father’s farm when some of the cattle got stuck in a nearby dam.
Wading into the water with his usual attempts to get them out, Mr Munnerley found himself lodged in the water, sinking into the mud until it was to his waist.
His family made substituent attempts to free him from the water to no success and emergency services were called.
CFA, FRV, SES and Police were on scene shortly after where they attempted various measures to free him.
However, Senior Constable Dean Wood explained that time became critical as the weather turned and Mr Munnerley was both facing continued sinking and rising water.
It decided then to bring in Police Airwing to extract the 49-year-old to safety.
Afterwards, Mr Munnerley was taken to the house where he had a warm shower that brought feeling back to his toes and authorities monitored him for there.
Meeting once more on Thursday afternoon, Constable Wood said he was glad to be able to shake his hand.
The Large Animal Rescue Unit of Macclesfield Fire Brigade attended and successfully extracted the cow, which was then attended to by West Gippsland Vet Care.
Sadly, it did not survive after sustaining significant injuries.
Bunyip, Nar Nar Goon and Longwarry Fire Brigades, Fire Rescue Victoria, VICSES Pakenham and Ambulance Victoria also assisted police.
See footage of the rescue here: www.instagram.com/p/DN4MxEek3fR/
