Over the Easter weekend, six people lost their lives as fierce waves lashed the eastern coastline of Australia, leading to drownings in both New South Wales and Victoria. Two individuals remain missing as emergency services continue to respond to the dangerous surf conditions.
Tragic Toll as Rogue Waves Claim Lives Along Australia's East Coast
Tragic Toll as Rogue Waves Claim Lives Along Australia's East Coast
Six fatalities reported due to hazardous surf conditions; authorities warn of dangers across popular coastal areas.
At least six individuals have tragically died in Australia as massive waves lashed Sydney and various spots along the east coast during the Easter weekend, according to police reports. A low pressure system initiated powerful swells beginning Friday, with wave heights exceeding 24 feet recorded off the coast of Brisbane in Queensland.
Australia's meteorological agency issued warnings for hazardous surf conditions affecting a broad stretch of coastline from Queensland down to New South Wales, including popular areas like Sydney, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast. As the surf warning was finally lifted on Sunday, five fatalities had been confirmed in New South Wales, alongside an additional death in Victoria. Furthermore, two individuals are still reported missing.
Among the fatalities was a man who was fishing at Wattamolla, located approximately 20 miles from Sydney, who lost his life after being swept into the ocean. His companion, a 14-year-old boy, was rescued from the water and is now in stable condition at a hospital. The New South Wales police confirmed that these five drownings occurred between the northern coast of Sydney and its southern regions. Authorities believe the victims were either fishing or traversing rocky areas when they fell into the tumultuous waters.
In addition to the incidents reported in New South Wales, a woman drowned on Friday after being swept off the rocks in San Remo, Victoria. While this woman managed to reach shore, a male companion who was also swept into the water remains missing.
The Royal Life Saving Australia organization, dedicated to promoting water safety, indicated that 128 drownings occurred in New South Wales in 2024, with half attributed to incidents along the coastline. The ongoing dangerous conditions serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by sudden and severe ocean events, prompting authorities to urge caution among residents and visitors.
