The wife of a beloved surfer has shared her heartbreak after her husband was pulled unresponsive from waters on New South Wales' South Coast. Emergency services were called to Cape St George Lighthouse at Jervis Bay about 1.55pm on Wednesday following reports of two surfers in distress.
Officers pulled two men from the water with the help of Marine Rescue NSW, Australian Federal Police and the Australian Navy. A 43-year-old man, later identified as Nathan Bartlett, was unresponsive when brought to shore. He died at the scene.
Mr Bartlett's family shared an emotional statement on social media paying tribute to the passionate husband and father. 'On May 27th we lost the love of our lives. The ocean called and you were just too special for this world,' his wife wrote. 'The most loved and loveable husband, father, son and brother to so many. The big child at heart right until the very end - and that's what made him him.'
She added: 'We're heartbroken, we're crying, and when the time comes we will celebrate you the way you deserve - loudly, warmly, and with so much love it could fill every room you ever walked into.'
Mr Bartlett's wife continued: 'I love you, gosh we miss you. You are the best dad. Actually in (their child's) words "the best at everything". Forever Nath The One. Goodbye Daddy.'
Mr Bartlett had been with his 38-year-old brother Byron when the tragedy occurred, news.com.au reported. NSW Police said a 38-year-old man was pulled from the water and assessed by paramedics at Murrays Beach Boat Ramp as a precaution.
Police have launched an investigation and a report is being prepared for the Coroner. Mr Bartlett was 'one of Australian surfing's great underground chargers', according to the Maritime Union of Australia. The term refers to surfers skilled enough to take on large waves.
'Nathan was a father to a young family, and comrade to many friends and workers in the maritime industry,' the union wrote in a GoFundMe. 'Nathan was an enthusiastic and committed union member, an internationalist and friend to many in the trade union and surfing communities.'
The union added Mr Bartlett had worked as a versatile maritime crew member aboard high-speed offshore vessels. The GoFundMe, which has so far raised $63,819, aims to support Mr Bartlett's family through the 'harrowing and tragic period'.
