On 14/7, Bill Kosky, 82, and his 54-year-old son were driving on Halligan Bay road, heading to Lake Eyre in northern South Australia. Heavy storm rains caused floodwaters to rise quickly, leaving their vehicle stranded.

The remote area lacked phone signal. Around 8h, the father and son managed to send a distress message to emergency services. Authorities then contacted the nearby William Creek Hotel, seeking assistance.

Bill Kosky and his son were rescued by billionaire Roberts in South Australia. Photo: 7News

Bill Kosky and his son were rescued by billionaire Roberts in South Australia. Photo: 7News

Billionaire Tim Roberts, son of the Multiplex group founder, happened to be staying at the hotel. Upon hearing locals discuss two missing tourists, Roberts offered his assistance. He and Trevor Wright, a local resident, then piloted a helicopter to the affected area.

After locating the stranded vehicle, they landed and evacuated Kosky and his son around 18h, after the pair had been trapped for over 12 hours.

Kosky stated this was the most significant flood he had witnessed in the area in two decades. Trevor Wright added, "If Mr. Roberts hadn't arrived by helicopter, the father and son might have had to stay overnight in freezing temperatures."

Over the past six weeks, authorities have rescued 28 individuals in the Lake Eyre region due to unusual weather conditions.