Two British tourists drowned after being swept into rough seas near the town of Seventeen Seventy, close to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.
The victims, a 46-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, were swimming at Round Hill Head when the incident occurred.
Emergency services were alerted around 2:15pm and a rescue helicopter was deployed, but both were declared dead after being retrieved from the ocean.
Police confirmed the victims were visitors from the UK but have not officially released their names.
British media have reported that the two were a father and son.
A 37-year-old Australian man from Monto was also rescued and taken to Bundaberg Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
CapRescue, the emergency service involved, described the incident as a difficult and tragic mission.
Despite the best efforts of rescuers, the two British tourists could not be saved.
Seventeen Seventy, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, attracts both local and international visitors.
Police are treating the incident as non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.
