Piesseville and Hoffman searches continue as rescuers try to find two missing drivers lost in WA floodwaters

UPDATE: The driver of a white Toyota Prado found nearly completely submerged on Driver Road at the Murray River Crossing in Hoffman has been found.

Police said the man contacted them this morning, confirming he was safe and well.

Search and rescue teams launched separate operations yesterday after two cars were found submerged on Ballagin Road in Piesseville and a third was found submerged in Hoffman.

Authorities have now successfully made contact with two of the drivers.

But police hold grave fears for the third man, 34-year-old Ajit Khan, who is understood to not be a strong swimmer.

The Katanning man had been on his way home from Perth on Tuesday morning when his Mitsubishi Triton ute became stranded on Ballagin Road near Wagin in WA’s Wheatbealt region.

A major search, put on hold last night, resumed at 7am this morning with State Emergency Services, police, two flood boats and police divers looking for Mr Khan.

“We’re very very concerned,” WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson told 6PR this morning.

“We can’t reach his phone. We have very serious concerns for his welfare.

Mr Dawson said drivers should not attempt to cross floodwaters and should find an alternative route instead.

“It’s dangerous to try and drive across or wade across,” he said. “Do not cross.”

Police said the river was still rising and currently running at 1.4m — and it was unsafe for anyone to enter the water due to speed of current and depth.