Despite the best efforts of emergency services, a man has been unable to be revived after an incident at Kurnell in Sydney’s south on Wednesday.
A group of three were out on the water on Anzac Day at around 9am when the small boat they were travelling in was struck by a wave overturning it instantly and pitching the trio into the water.
At the time of the incident the vessel was just north of Boat Harbour at Kurnell.
It is understood they were in the water for about 20 minutes before members of the public were able to rescue two members of the group, with a third man aged in his 30s, pulled unconscious and non-responsive from the water.
CPR was immediately commenced by the members of the public with lifeguards arriving on the scene a short time later.
The State Operations Centre provided communication support throughout the incident and tasked a number of surf lifesaving assets to attend once reports began to filter through just after 9:30am.
A Sydney Support Jet Ski attended along with two Sydney Duty Officers.
Other emergency services who raced to the scene included NSW Police, Paramedics, Sutherland Shire Council Lifeguard, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, and a Toll Ambulance Helicopter.
One of the challenges for the rescuers was the area’s remoteness with limited road access.
As a result, medical teams including doctors were winched in, while a defibrillator was brought in on foot during the early stages of the CPR treatment.
Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the stricken man was unable to be revived.
It is believed the group were wearing lifejackets at the time that they went into the water, though it is unclear the circumstances of how the deceased man got into difficulty.
The abandoned boat was washed onto the rocks and an operation is underway in an attempt to recover the vessel.
Today’s tragedy is the 36th coastal drowning in NSW waters this season, and surf lifesavers are continuing to patrol beaches across the state for the remainder of Anzac Day.
Beach Safety Tips
- Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafe app or website
- Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information
- Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm
- In an emergency, dial Triple Zero Police
- Don’t forget to be sun safe by remembering to: Slip on some protective clothing, Slop on some sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Slide on a pair of sunglasses, Seek some shade and Sip on lots of water to stay hydrated.
- For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.
Wednesday 25 April 2018