Five people have drowned following a surge of powerful waves that struck the eastern coast of Australia as the Easter weekend began. The incidents have resulted in heightened concerns for beachgoers, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria, where soon-to-be minor tragedies unfolded.
In southern New South Wales, a man's body was discovered in the water near Tathra, just one day after a tragic incident involving a 58-year-old fisherman and two other men, who were also found dead in separate occurrences. Meanwhile, a desperate search is underway for an individual who was swept into the sea near Sydney.
On the southern coast of Victoria, one woman drowned while another man is missing after their group was caught in strong currents in San Remo. Fortunately, a female companion managed to reach safety, but the situation remains dire for those still unaccounted for. "This is an awful start to the Easter weekend. My thoughts are with the families affected by these tragic losses, and we may yet receive more heartbreaking news," Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan expressed.
The eastern states have been experiencing particularly dangerous wave conditions, prompting Surf Life Saving Australia’s head Adam Weir to issue a stark reminder for holidaymakers. He highlighted the importance of sticking to patrolled beaches, noting that 630 drownings at unpatrolled beaches have occurred over the last decade. "Coastal areas can harbor unseen dangers, making our advice simple yet vital: Stop, Look, Stay Alive," he cautioned.
