"I think the job just went really, really well. The Manawatu Gorge will be closed from 9am on Monday, to recover the truck from the river. Geoff Bates, St John Ambulance Manawatu territory manager, said the pair were "very grateful" to all involved in their rescue. Last night, Ashton's mother Joan Ashton, said he was doing fine after the dramatic rescue operation. She was "very" proud, she said, and praised the actions of all the emergency service personnel involved.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 09, 2016 20:26 UTC