Record-Breaking Deaths Amidst Massive Swell in Australia
Over the weekend, Australia's east coast – particularly in the state of New South Wales – was pounded by a massive swell, wreaking havoc on the coastline, and creating dangerous conditions for onlookers and those who dared to brave the waves. As a result, a record-breaking number of deaths were reported; at this time, there have been at least seven drownings, including a 9-year-old.
'We've had a huge fleet of jet skis out in the water in massive surf,' said Chief Executive of Surf Lifesaving New South Wales, Steve Pearce, 'We've had helicopters flying in search and rescue operations. We've had drones surveilling rock platforms. We've had thousands of volunteer lifesavers over the Easter Weekend, and hundreds of professional ocean lifeguards. So, we've had every resource out there. The issue, though, is people going sightseeing on rock walls, break walls, rock shelves…and importantly making the decision to go rock fishing in extraordinarily dangerous conditions.'
Prior to the swell event, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology warned of the perilous conditions:
'While the weather across New South Wales and southern Queensland will be fine, sunny and warm for most of the weekend, you will need to take extra care if you're planning to head out to the water.'A low pressure system in the Tasman Sea is generating large and powerful surf.'Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming in these areas.'As the swell was incoming before the weekend, there were already reports of deaths in the region, and footage showing rogue waves sweeping people away at popular NSW beach locations. Additionally, amidst the massive swell, of course, surfers were taking full advantage as well – particularly, at Cape Solander outside of Sydney, some surfers scored what some were calling the 'day of days.' (More to come on the surf side of things.) But still, with such great energy in the ocean, often comes great tragedy for those who decide to get a little too close.
'It's the worst drowning toll on the New South Wales coast in an Easter weekend in all our records,' continued Pearce. 'There's been over 30 rescue missions…it really caught everyone off-guard.'
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