A 23-year-old British tourist has tragically died after falling from a cliff edge into the ocean while on holiday in Australia. The body of Fergus Cooper was discovered washed up on a beach days following his disappearance, confirming the worst fears of his family and friends.
Tragic Discovery at Mystery Bay
Fergus Cooper, aged 23, was reported missing on January 18 after he was seen falling into the water at Mystery Bay Beach in New South Wales, Australia. Emergency services, including police, marine rescue teams, and a helicopter, conducted extensive searches of the Tasman Sea and surrounding areas immediately after the incident, which occurred at approximately 6.40pm.
Despite their efforts, Cooper could not be located during the initial search operation. His body was sadly found on Wednesday, several days later, after it washed ashore on a nearby beach. A police spokesperson confirmed that the body had been formally identified as that of the missing UK national.
Police Investigation and Coroner's Report
Chief Inspector Shane Jessep from the South Coast Police District indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the tourist "appeared to have had an accident and slipped on the rocks". Cooper had been accompanied by a friend at the time of the tragic fall, though specific details about the circumstances remain under investigation.
The police have stated that a comprehensive report will be prepared and submitted to the coroner for further examination. This is standard procedure in such incidents to determine the exact cause of death and any contributing factors.
Heartfelt Tributes to an Adventurous Spirit
Tributes have poured in for the young Brit, described by friends as a "top lad" who was always eager for new challenges. One close friend shared: "Fergus was a top lad, always up for a challenge and one of the nicest lads around. Everybody was expecting the worst when we learned he was missing after falling into the sea, and now it is confirmed."
Those who knew him emphasised his passion for travel and the outdoors, noting that he was physically fit and enjoyed pushing his limits. His Instagram profile showcased various adventures, including skiing expeditions, camping trips, and mountaineering excursions.
A Life of Adventure and Exploration
Cooper worked as a scaffolder but devoted his spare time to outdoor pursuits. He frequently took his Land Rover off-road, with recent trips including visits to the Lake District in November to ford streams and journeys to the Scottish Highlands in June for mountain climbing and swimming in cold lakes.
His social media presence reflected a young man deeply committed to exploring natural landscapes and embracing physical challenges, making his sudden passing particularly poignant for his social circle.
Recent Similar Tragedy in New South Wales
This incident follows another tragic death of a British traveller in New South Wales last year. Eleanor Thompson, known as Ellie, was crushed to death by her van following a tropical cyclone, as revealed during an inquest in November.
The 35-year-old, originally from Mold in north Wales, was found under her vehicle in March 2025. She had left the UK in 2022 to embark on solo travels through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before arriving in Australia in 2023, where she began converting a van for her journeys.
The consecutive losses of young British travellers in the region have highlighted the potential dangers faced by tourists exploring remote and challenging environments, underscoring the importance of safety precautions during adventurous holidays.
