Fatal Accident Caused by Dangerous Swell as Boat Capsizes
Dangerous swell is being investigated as the reason behind a tragic incident where a boat capsized in northern New South Wales (NSW), resulting in the death of one man and injuries to another.
Witnesses spotted two individuals clinging to the overturned hull of a 6.5-meter boat at the north wall of the Tweed River Bar around 6 a.m. on July 13.
Emergency response teams, including local and marine police, a rescue helicopter, and lifeguards, were dispatched for a rescue operation.
A 58-year-old man was rescued from the water and taken to Tweed Heads Hospital with minor injuries, while a 56-year-old man was airlifted from the ocean to Duranbah Beach but unfortunately could not be revived.
The men had launched the boat from the Kennedy Drive boat ramp and were crossing the bar when the boat overturned.
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Acting Inspector Donna Tutt mentioned that authorities are looking into the cause of the incident, with challenging weather conditions being a probable factor.
She emphasized, “It is very large dangerous swells at the moment.”
Authorities noted that neither of the men was wearing a life jacket.
Ms. Tutt expressed, “It’s a tragic way to end the school holidays.” She urged everyone to be cautious in hazardous conditions and to always wear a life jacket.
The Tweed River Bar is renowned for boating activities and commercial fishing, as per the NSW government.
These coastal bars, which are shallow sandbanks at river and estuary entrances, can have strong currents and large waves.
NSW officials caution that crossing these coastal bars can be extremely perilous—even in calm conditions—due to the changing channels and waves.
A detailed report will be prepared for the coroner.
