TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A convoy of off-road vehicles was traveling along Nantou County’s Wanda River on Saturday when the lead vehicle, driven by a man surnamed Sun (孫), became stuck in the rapids and the driver disappeared from sight.

The Nantou County Fire Department was called to the scene and found the 28-year-old man buried in mud and sand next to his vehicle. He showed no vital signs when discovered, per CNA.

The fire department said recent typhoons and heavy rainfall had made the Wanda River treacherous, with strong currents and shifting undercurrents. Rescue personnel had to overcome difficult conditions just to reach the stranded vehicle.

After assessing the water levels, rescuers approached the vehicle using a multi-person river crossing technique. Based on the current and river depth, they believed the driver was trapped near the driver’s door.

They first searched inside the vehicle, then outside, where they located the man’s right leg buried in gravel. Most of his body was pinned beneath debris carried by fast-moving water.

Rescuers attempted to free the body by hand, but turbulent water and thick sediment made it impossible. With the aid of a nearby excavator, they lifted the vehicle, allowing the body to be recovered.

The man’s remains were transported to shore and turned over to police for further investigation.