The devastating impact of hazardous waves along Australia's eastern coast this Easter weekend resulted in five fatalities and two individuals still unaccounted for. Authorities urge caution in coastal areas while rescues continue.
Tragedy Strikes as Strong Waves Lead to Drowning Incidents in Australia
Tragedy Strikes as Strong Waves Lead to Drowning Incidents in Australia
Five lives lost and two missing as severe waves impact eastern Australia's coast during Easter weekend.
Australia's eastern coastline faced a tragic start to the Easter weekend as five people drowned due to the severe waves wreaking havoc in New South Wales and Victoria. The alarming incidents include the discovery of a man's body near Tathra, following the drowning of a 58-year-old fisherman and two other men in separate incidents throughout the state.
In addition to the confirmed fatalities, rescuers are actively searching for a man swept into the ocean near Sydney. A distressing incident occurred in San Remo, Victoria, where a woman drowned and a man is currently missing after their group was caught in a strong swell. One woman managed to return to the shore, but the others were tragically unable to do so.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan expressed her condolences, describing the situation as an "awful start" to the Easter holiday period. "My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives in such tragic circumstances, and potentially there is more difficult news to come," she stated.
Surf Life Saving Australia’s head, Adam Weir, highlighted the importance of safety for holidaymakers, urging them to stick to patrolled beaches. He pointed out the concerning statistic of 630 people having drowned at unpatrolled beaches over the last decade. Weir emphasized the need for awareness, stating: "These coastal locations can present dangers, some that you can see and some that you can't, which is why we have some simple advice: Stop, Look, Stay Alive."
