Two British tourists have tragically drowned off the coast of Seventeen Seventy, a popular spot at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. The incident occurred on Sunday when a 17-year-old boy and a 46-year-old man were swept out to sea while swimming at a beach that does not have lifeguard protection. The two were later declared dead at the scene after being retrieved from the water by a police rescue helicopter.
In a related incident, a local Australian man finds himself in critical condition, having sustained serious head injuries after he too was swept out to sea. He was airlifted to the hospital where he is currently under intensive care.
CapRescue, the emergency rescue service that responded to the situation, described the mission as exceptionally challenging and stated that the tragic outcomes occurred "despite the best efforts of all involved." The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the drownings, as the identities of the deceased have yet to be disclosed.
The injured Australian man is reported to be from Monto, located about 150 kilometers inland from Seventeen Seventy. Local authorities speculate that the third individual may have attempted to perform a rescue, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the ocean's conditions. It is noteworthy that there is only one patrolled beach within a 50-kilometer radius of the area, emphasizing the need for caution in unguarded locations.
Data from Royal Life Saving Australia indicates that last year, 107 drowning fatalities occurred in Australia, with a significant number involving individuals born overseas. These incidents often happen in turbulent waters, particularly during high tides when conditions become chaotic. Local safety representatives are urging tourists and swimmers to adhere to safety guidance and to swim in designated areas marked by flags.
