Two men who died at sea in Australia on Wednesday have been identified as a 36-year-old British citizen and a 43-year-old friend. An “inexperienced” British surfer and his friend who jumped into the water to save him have died in rough waters off a popular Victoria pier during high winds.
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Emergency services were called to Frankston Beach in Melbourne's southeast after reports of two men in distress in the water at about 5pm as strong winds hit the state, The Guardian writes.
At a press conference on Thursday, Victoria Police Detective Inspector Mel Nixon said the men found unconscious in the water were a 36-year-old British citizen and his friend, a 43-year-old man of unknown nationality.
Nixon said the British national, who she described as an “inexperienced” surfer, was in the water and feeling unwell when his board broke. Another man jumped into the water to help, but not only could he not save his comrades, he also committed suicide.
Inspector Mel Nixon said emergency services arrived at the scene within 10-15 minutes of receiving a call for help from a bystander, describing it as a “high pressure situation” for onlookers.
“Yesterday's weather conditions were clearly not suitable for surfing, whether you are experienced or not. You risk putting others in danger,” she said.
The Police Helicopter Wing Unit arrived to assist and both men who were pulled from the water were taken to shore by a police helicopter but could not be rescued.
Nixon said a police agent also needed medical attention after drinking a large amount of water during the rescue operation. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and later released.
“He had to seek medical help twice, and like I said, they have a lot of experience. They do this regularly,” Nixon noted.
Police inspectors told extreme sports enthusiasts: “Do not swim or surf in conditions that we know will be dangerous. You are putting yourself at risk. You are putting people running to help you at risk. You are putting emergency services at risk.”
Mel Nixon said that while the investigation was in its early stages, there were reports that the 36-year-old “may have recently learned to surf”. She advised people not to go into the water for rescue efforts in extreme weather conditions.
In a statement, Frankston Mayor Chris Bolam said the “devastating” event was “a stark reminder of the power of nature and the real danger that extreme weather poses”.
“I ask everyone to be cautious, vigilant and if in doubt, stay away from open water and coastal structures until conditions improve,” the mayor urged.
Nixon said Thursday morning that police were still in the process of notifying relatives. Reports will be prepared for the coroner.
