In a heartbreaking incident, four Indians met a tragic end in a mass drowning episode at an unpatrolled beach on Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia, as confirmed by the Indian High Commission in Canberra on Thursday.
The victims, comprising a man and two women in their 20s, along with a woman in her 40s, were part of an extended family group enjoying their time at Forrest Caves Beach, a popular tourist spot known for its sea caves.
Emergency services received distress calls around 3:30 pm on January 24, reporting four individuals in distress in the water. Despite swift response efforts, the rescue teams found three women and a man unresponsive after being pulled from the water.
Tragically, despite immediate and intensive CPR, three of the victims were declared dead at the scene, marking a devastating turn of events for the extended family group. The man and two women lost their lives on-site, while the third woman in her 20s was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne in critical condition. Regrettably, she succumbed to her injuries later on.
Expressing condolences, the Indian High Commission shared the news on social media, stating, “Heartbreaking tragedy in Australia: 4 Indians lost their lives in a drowning incident at Phillip Island, Victoria. Deepest condolences to families of the victims. @cgimelbourne team is in touch with friends of the deceased for all necessary assistance.”
Phillip Island’s Forrest Caves Beach has gained popularity among tourists for its sea caves. However, the absence of lifeguard patrols and its reputation as a perilous swimming spot were highlighted in the aftermath of this tragic incident. Concerns about safety were echoed on social media, with a local resident warning against increased promotion of Phillip Island as a tourist destination, fearing it could lead to more incidents.
As investigations continue, the Indian community in Australia and beyond mourns the loss of these four lives, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and safety measures at popular but potentially hazardous locations.
