British Man and Friend Die in Surf Tragedy Amid Wild Weather in Australia
A British national has died after his surfboard snapped in dangerous surf conditions off Victoria’s coast, with a friend who tried to rescue him also losing his life. The incident occurred on Wednesday at Frankston Beach, approximately 45km (28 miles) south-east of Melbourne.
Emergency services were alerted after reports that two men were struggling in the rough waters. A police helicopter reached the scene within 15 minutes and lifted both men from the ocean. Despite attempts to revive them onshore, neither survived. The helicopter officer involved in the rescue was briefly hospitalised after swallowing seawater but has since recovered.
Police have not released the identities of the two victims, as families are yet to be informed. Both deaths will be examined in coroner’s reports.
Authorities confirmed they had warned the public to stay away from the water due to extreme weather, with wind gusts reaching up to 130km/h. Detective Inspector Melissa Nixon said the 36-year-old British man had limited surfing experience and appeared to have been a beginner.
“The weather yesterday was incredibly dangerous for surfing—regardless of someone’s skill level,” she stated.
The second victim, a 43-year-old man, reportedly entered the water after noticing his friend in distress when the surfboard broke. He too was overwhelmed by the treacherous swell.
Nixon described the scene as distressing and emphasised the tragedy could have been avoided. She urged the public to obey warnings and avoid the ocean during severe weather.
