SEVENTEEN SEVENTY, QUEENSLAND – April 14, 2025 — A tragic swimming accident off the coast of the popular tourist town Seventeen Seventy, located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, has left two British nationals dead and an Australian man critically injured.
The victims, a 17-year-old boy and a 46-year-old man, were swept out to sea on Sunday while swimming at an unpatrolled beach.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with a police rescue helicopter pulling the pair from the water. Despite the efforts of rescuers, both were declared dead at the scene.
A third man, an Australian from the inland town of Monto, was also swept out during the incident. He suffered serious head injuries and remains in a life-threatening condition after being airlifted to a nearby hospital.
Authorities are yet to release the names of the deceased, but Queensland Police have confirmed they were tourists from the United Kingdom. The drownings are being treated as non-suspicious, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
In a statement on social media, the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CapRescue), which responded to the emergency, described the mission as “difficult” and expressed condolences to those affected. “Despite the best efforts of all involved, this tragic outcome occurred,” the statement read.
Darren Everard from Surf Life Saving Queensland told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that it was unclear whether the Australian man entered the water to attempt a rescue. “We’re not sure whether the third person jumped into the water trying to perform a rescue,” Everard said.
Seventeen Seventy, known for its historical significance as the site of Captain James Cook’s 1770 landing, is a well-frequented spot for tourists exploring the Great Barrier Reef. However, the town has limited lifeguard services, with only one patrolled beach within a 50-kilometre radius.
Everard emphasized the risks of swimming in unfamiliar coastal areas and urged visitors to seek local advice and always swim between the red and yellow flags. “It’s chaos in the water at high tide, especially around creeks and headlands,” he said.
The tragedy highlights the ongoing challenge of water safety in Australia, particularly for tourists and those unfamiliar with local beach conditions. According to Royal Life Saving Australia, 107 people drowned across the country last year, with 25% of them born overseas.
Local authorities and lifesaving groups continue to push for greater awareness and improved safety measures along Australia’s expansive and often dangerous coastline.
As investigations continue into the exact circumstances surrounding the drownings, the community of Seventeen Seventy and the families of the victims are left grappling with a devastating loss during what was meant to be a holiday in one of Australia’s most iconic locations.
