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A British couple drowned after getting into difficulty in the sea in front of relatives while enjoying a family day out in Australia.
The pair, a 66-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman, died at Shellharbour Beach South in Shell Cove, New South Wales, early on Wednesday, March 11.
Other beachgoers, including two off-duty nurses, pulled them from the water and performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but both were pronounced dead a short time later.
Police said the couple were from the UK and had travelled to Australia to visit relatives, some of whom were at the beach at the time.
New South Wales Police Inspector Luke Geradts told ABC News: “This is a tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the family who lost their loved ones today.”
Commending the bravery of those who tried to revive the couple, he added: “They’re young people who are upstanding members of our community who did a great job today in trying to give this couple the best chance.”
The incident triggered a large emergency response, with paramedics supported by firefighters and an air ambulance, which was ultimately not required.
More than a dozen emergency workers remained at the scene, where privacy tents were set up to shield other beachgoers from the distressing scenes.
It is understood the beach was not being patrolled by lifeguards at the time.
Police are expected to provide an update later today.
There have now been 81 open-water deaths reported across the country since December 1, according to News.com.
Royal Life Saving Australia said on its website: “This represents one person drowning almost every day over summer.”
