Caravans spotted offshore, up to 12 cars lost to sea

Caravans have been seen floating offshore and up to a dozen vehicles are believed to have been swept out to sea following flash flooding along the Surf Coast earlier this week.

At a community meeting in Lorne on Friday, authorities confirmed several vehicles remain missing after rivers broke their banks and floodwaters surged through caravan parks and creek crossings from Lorne to Wye River.

Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) chief officer of operations, Alistair Drayton, said recovery crews were coordinating efforts to locate and retrieve vehicles caught in the deluge.

“We’ve had reports of up to a dozen vehicles potentially swept out, including a couple of caravans,” Drayton said.

“At Wye River this morning, there were two visible from the water’s edge. We couldn’t see any here in Lorne, but underwater inspections will continue.”

Cars were also seen jammed against bridge infrastructure, including several under the Cumberland River Bridge. The Department of Transport and Planning is leading the retrieval of vehicles posing a risk to bridges and roads, while the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is managing recovery of vehicles in marine environments.

A crane is expected to be used to lift vehicles wedged near bridge footings, once inspections are complete.

Others remain stranded in deep silt at the flood-affected Cumberland River Caravan Park. Access remains restricted, but authorities expect recovery may begin within days as the ground dries.

Drayton urged anyone missing a vehicle to register details with their caravan park operator and insurance provider.

“If your caravan or car was swept away or damaged, make sure the park has your details and registration,” he said.

Matching vehicles to owners will rely on registration plates, serial numbers and location data once recovery operations are fully underway.