The Easter long weekend has taken a tragic turn across New South Wales, with three people confirmed dead and one still missing after massive waves pounded the coastline. The swells, reaching up to four metres, have forced authorities to close some of Sydney’s most popular beaches and sparked urgent warnings for anyone heading near the water.
What happened?
The dangerous conditions kicked off late Thursday night (17 April), when a man was washed off the break wall at Wollongong Harbour around 11pm. Police believe he was fishing when a powerful wave swept him into the water. Despite rescue efforts, the 58-year-old man could not be revived.
By Friday morning, the situation had worsened. Around 10.20am, emergency services were called to Middle Head Point in Mosman after a man standing on rocks fell into the harbour. His body was found a short time later.
Then, just after 3pm, a fisherman was washed off rocks near Eden on the far South Coast. Authorities later recovered a body from the water.
Meanwhile, a search is ongoing for a 24-year-old man who was seen struggling in the surf off Little Bay Beach, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, around 1pm on Friday.
The search continues. (Image: 9 News)
Sydney beaches closed
With the hazardous swells rolling in, beaches across Sydney — including Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, and Manly — were closed to swimmers. Local councils and Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) urged everyone to stay away from the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has also issued hazardous surf warnings for the entire NSW coast.
Warnings are in place till midnight Sunday April 20. (Image: BoM)
Lifesavers stretched, rescues ongoing
Lifeguards and rescue crews have been run off their feet, with SLSNSW confirming at least five successful rescues, including saving a toddler at Redhead Beach in the Hunter. SLSNSW CEO Steve Pearce said, “Every drowning is a tragedy, and this is an absolutely tragic start to the Easter long weekend,” per Sydney Morning Herald.
Pearce also reminded the public:
“I want to take this opportunity to remind the public that watching big surf from precarious locations like rock platforms and coastal walkways can be just as dangerous as being in the ocean. Please take the time to assess the conditions and don’t put yourself at risk of being washed in.”
Why is this happening?
The huge swells are being driven by a deep low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea, following on from ex-tropical cyclone Tam. While the system is far offshore, it’s generating massive waves for the NSW coast. The BoM expects the hazardous conditions to last until Saturday, with a cold front and possible thunderstorms forecast for Sydney from Monday.
Authorities are urging everyone to take the warnings seriously, especially as the warm weather is likely to draw more people to the beach. NSW Police posted on social media:
“Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing… Check local weather and if in doubt don’t go!”
NSW Police Force have already had some near misses today for people engaged in coastal activities in large swells. Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing. If on the water in general a…
If you’re heading to the coast, stick to patrolled beaches, avoid rock fishing or walking on exposed platforms, and keep a close eye on weather updates. With the surf set to stay wild for a bit longer, it’s best to play it safe and avoid unnecessary risks.
