Irishman, 35, dies in drowning at popular Australian beach in New Year’s Eve tragedy as consular assistance provided

The man’s death is among several deaths in separate incidents off the Australian coast in recent days
AN IRISH man has been reported to have died at a popular beach near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

It was reported that a 35-year-old man died at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island around 11am on Wednesday, January 31.

Local news outlets report that police and emergency services were called to the scene after the man was found unresponsive in the water during the morning.

It is unknown what was the cause of his death, but it is understood that a report is being prepared for the coroner.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed that it is aware of the tragic incident.

In a statement issued to The Irish Sun, the spokesperson said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of the incident and stands ready to provide consular assistance.”

Whitsunday Islands are known for their natural beauty, mainly the popular Whitehaven beach due to its white sands and crystal blue waters.

It’s also known for having no lifeguards at the beach.

According to the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), the Queensland Department of Environment would not comment on the incident but has referred the media company to safety advice on its website.

It showcased that tourists on the Whitsunday Islands were responsible for their own safety.

And they stated that mobile reception is limited and it may take hours for medical help to arrive in the event of an emergency.

The tragic Irish man’s death is among several people who have died in separate incidents off the Australian coast in recent days.

OTHER TRAGIC INCIDENTS

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a young woman died after being swept into the ocean from the waters of Marouba Beach in Sydney.

Australian media reports that police were told that a 25-year-old woman had been hit by a wave, knocking her into a tidal rock pool before further waves carried her out into the ocean.

A body, believed to be the young woman, was recovered from the water at 5am. The remains have yet to be formally identified.

Some 4kms away, a 45-year-old woman drowned at Dunbogan Beach near Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast.

‘COULD NOT BE REVIVED’

New South Wales Police confirmed that inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident have begun.

The woman died after being pulled from the water.

The cops said: “She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and police on scene, however, she could not be revived.

“Police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“A report will be prepared for the coroner.”