Tragedy Strikes as Massive Waves Claim Lives Along Australia’s Coast

Five people have lost their lives due to rough seas in New South Wales and Victoria, with searches ongoing for two missing individuals.

Australia's eastern coastline has been engulfed by treacherous waves, resulting in five tragic drownings just as the Easter weekend began. The fatalities include several incidents reported in New South Wales and Victoria, where rescue teams are currently looking for two individuals who were swept away by the hazardous currents.

On Saturday, authorities discovered the body of a man near Tathra, southern New South Wales, the day after a fisherman aged 58 and two other men were found dead. Additionally, a woman drowned and a man remains unaccounted for following an incident where their group was swept into the ocean at San Remo in Victoria. According to police, one woman managed to swim back to safety, but the other two were not so fortunate.

Expressing condolences, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan described the situation as an "awful start" to the holiday weekend. "My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives in such tragic circumstances, and potentially more distressing news could follow," she stated.

The waves striking Australia’s eastern states have drawn warnings from safety officials. Adam Weir, the head of Surf Life Saving Australia, urged beachgoers to stick to patrolled beaches after revealing that 630 people have drowned at unpatrolled locations over the last decade. He emphasized, "These coastal areas can harbor dangers, both visible and hidden, hence our simple advice: Stop, Look, Stay Alive."