Residents of an island isolated by New Brunswick flood helped by “Uber Rob”

FILE: The only road to the small island has been submerged by the flood waters of the Kennebecasis River, forcing residents to make the trip to and from their homes by boat. (Photo: felizfeliz/Flickr)

FREDERICTON — Flood-weary residents of New Brunswick’s Darlings Island are praising the efforts of a man dubbed “Uber Rob.”

The only road to the small island has been submerged by the flood waters of the Kennebecasis River, forcing residents to make the trip to and from their homes by boat.

While many people are using canoes and kayaks, Rob Dekany has been ferrying seven passengers at a time to and from the island since Monday, and refuses to accept any payment.

Many residents say he’s been their saviour, but Dekany says it just makes him happy to help.

Heavy rain overnight helped feed flood waters throughout the province.

The Trans-Canada Highway between Fredericton and Moncton has been closed to traffic because the four-lane highway has been flooded.