A British couple has died after drowning at a popular beach on the New South Wales coast in Australia. Emergency services were called to Shellharbour Beach shortly after 11am on Wednesday following reports of two people struggling in the water.
Members of the public, including two off-duty nurses, helped pull a 66-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman from the water and attempted CPR. NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived shortly after and continued resuscitation efforts, but the couple could not be revived and were pronounced dead at the scene.
NSW Police confirmed the man and woman were a British couple on holiday with their family. Inspector Luke Geradts said, 'They were a married couple who were swimming in the ocean. I can confirm the couple were from the UK.' He added, 'This is a tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family who lost their loved ones today.'
Inspector Geradts commended the efforts of the bystanders, saying, 'They’re young people who are upstanding members of our community who did a great job today in trying to give this couple the best chance.' Witness Tracey Lee told ABC that she saw the people being pulled from the water, noting the presence of police, emergency services, and a helicopter.
Inspector Geradts recommended that people swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, stating that it 'would give them the best chance if they got into trouble.' The force is preparing a report for the coroner. The Independent has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.
