In a devastating turn of events, five people have drowned and two are missing along the coastlines of Australia’s New South Wales and Victoria states, following perilous waves that struck at the onset of the Easter weekend.
Tragedy Strikes as Five Drown Due to Monster Waves on Australian Coast
Tragedy Strikes as Five Drown Due to Monster Waves on Australian Coast
Easter weekend marred by loss of life in New South Wales and Victoria as authorities search for missing individuals.
Amid the holiday festivities, the tragic incidents unfolded as authorities reported that a man's body was recovered near Tathra in southern New South Wales on Saturday. This discovery came just a day after a 58-year-old fisherman and two other men were found deceased in different incidents related to the hazardous wave conditions. Rescue operations are currently ongoing for a man believed to have been swept into the ocean near Sydney.
In Victoria, the situation was equally dire, with a woman confirmed drowned and a man unaccounted for after their group was caught in the turbulent waters at San Remo. “One of the women managed to make her way back to shore but the other woman and the man were unable to,” detailed a statement from Victoria police.
Reacting to the tragic occurrences, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan called it an "awful start" to the Easter weekend. She extended her condolences to the families affected, stating, "My thoughts are with the family of someone who has lost their life in such tragic circumstances, and potentially there is more difficult news to come."
Authorities warn that Australia's eastern states have experienced dangerous wave conditions that necessitate caution. Adam Weir, head of the charity Surf Life Saving Australia, has urged those vacationing at the coast to stick to patrolled beaches, given that statistics show a stark 630 drownings have occurred at unpatrolled beaches over the past decade. "But 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," Weir advised.
As Australia navigates this dangerous holiday season, the authorities continue their search efforts while urging the public to prioritize safety along the beautiful yet treacherous coastline.
In Victoria, the situation was equally dire, with a woman confirmed drowned and a man unaccounted for after their group was caught in the turbulent waters at San Remo. “One of the women managed to make her way back to shore but the other woman and the man were unable to,” detailed a statement from Victoria police.
Reacting to the tragic occurrences, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan called it an "awful start" to the Easter weekend. She extended her condolences to the families affected, stating, "My thoughts are with the family of someone who has lost their life in such tragic circumstances, and potentially there is more difficult news to come."
Authorities warn that Australia's eastern states have experienced dangerous wave conditions that necessitate caution. Adam Weir, head of the charity Surf Life Saving Australia, has urged those vacationing at the coast to stick to patrolled beaches, given that statistics show a stark 630 drownings have occurred at unpatrolled beaches over the past decade. "But 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," Weir advised.
As Australia navigates this dangerous holiday season, the authorities continue their search efforts while urging the public to prioritize safety along the beautiful yet treacherous coastline.
