Hero beachgoers desperately tried to save a British couple who died after getting into difficulty while swimming off the coast of Australia.
The 66-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were pulled to shore shortly after 11am local time on Wednesday, where off-duty nurses performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
New South Wales Police said paramedics continued to attempt resuscitation but the husband and wife were pronounced dead at the scene on Shellharbour Beach.
The Foreign Office said it was supporting the family of two British nationals who died in New South Wales, adding the department was in contact with local authorities.
Lake Illawarra Police district inspector Luke Geradts said: ‘I want to take the opportunity to commend the members of the public in particular who assisted in the initial response including two female off-duty nurses and a young male who pulled the couple from the water and gave the couple the best chance for survival.
‘Although a tragic outcome today, their efforts are to be commended and really did give the couple the best chance.’
It is understood that the couple were tourists who were on the beach with other family members at the time of the tragedy.
Hero beachgoers desperately tried to save a British couple who drowned after getting into difficulty while swimming off the coast of Australia on Wednesday. Picture from the scene
The tragedy unfolded in front of horrified beachgoers in New South Wales
‘It was pretty calm, everyone knew what they were doing. It wasn’t a made panic, everyone just switched into what they were doing,’ a beachgoer told local media.
‘It puts it all into perspective how quick things can go wrong.’
Another told the ABC: ‘The police were here, the emergency services were here and then we heard the helicopter was on the way.’
It’s understood that the beach was not patrolled by lifeguards at the time.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: ‘We are supporting the family of two British nationals who have died in New South Wales and are in contact with local authorities.’
