Two British tourists tragically drowned off the coast of Seventeen Seventy, a popular location at the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef, on Sunday. The victims, a 17-year-old boy and a 46-year-old man, were swimming in the ocean when they were swept away by strong currents at a beach that lacks lifeguard supervision. Emergency services responded quickly, but both tourists were pronounced dead at the scene after being rescued by a police helicopter.
In a related incident, an Australian man, reportedly from Monto, has been airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries following the same wave incident, raising concerns about his condition as he fights for his life. Local officials suggest he may have tried to rescue the tourists, although details remain unclear. Surf Life Saving Queensland has stated that there is only one beach with lifeguards within a 50-kilometer radius, underlining the potential dangers for those unfamiliar with the area.
Authorities are currently treating the drownings as non-suspicious, and a report will be submitted to the coroner. Royal Life Saving Australia reported a concerning statistic from last year: 107 drownings occurred in the country, with a quarter involving individuals born overseas. Experts emphasize the importance of tourists seeking local advice on swimming conditions and ensuring safety by swimming in designated areas marked by flags.
