Two men have drowned after an inexperienced British surfer got into difficulty in rough seas off Frankston pier in Melbourne on Wednesday. The 36-year-old British national and his 43-year-old friend, whose nationality has not been specified, were pulled unresponsive from the water and could not be revived.
Police said the surfer became distressed when his board broke in treacherous conditions, and his friend jumped in to help him. Both men then struggled in the water as the state was hit by intense wind gusts. Emergency services were called at about 5pm and were on scene within 10 to 15 minutes.
A police helicopter winched the men to shore, but they could not be resuscitated. A police tactical operator who attempted the rescue also needed hospital treatment after ingesting a large amount of water, but has since been released.
Inspector Mel Nixon of Victoria Police said the weather was “not appropriate to be in the water surfing” and warned the public against attempting rescues in extreme conditions. “You put yourself at risk. You put people that jump in to help you at risk. You put the emergency services at risk,” she said.
Frankston mayor Kris Bolam described the incident as “devastating” and a reminder of the power of nature. “If in doubt, stay off the water and away from exposed coastal structures until conditions improve,” he said. Reports will be prepared for the coroner.
