Beginner Surfer Drowns in Australia, Rescuer Dies Trying to Help

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 10:56 AM ET

A double drowning occurred in Melbourne, Australia on Wednesday as an “inexperienced” surfer paddled out in stormy conditions, and when he bit off more than he could chew, the man’s friend jumped in to help. Sadly, both men ended up dying.

The identities of the victims have not been released, but police are saying that the initial surfer was a 36-year-old British national, and his would-be rescuer was a 43-year-old man, whose nationality has been withheld, although it’s believed he was local.

Frankston Pier, in the southeast of Melbourne, is where the incident occurred. At the time, the area was being battered by 81 mph wind gusts, and officials had warned about the dangerous weather conditions.

In a press conference following the tragedy, Victoria police inspector Mel Nixon said:

“The surfer was obviously in distress. He was struggling in the water after the surfboard broke. He wasn’t experienced at surfing ... His friend obviously saw he was in distress and jumped in to help him.”

Apparently, a bystander had witnessed the situation unfold. They phoned emergency services, and within 10-to-15 minutes, rescue teams were on the scene. A police helicopter was able to winch the two men from the water, but they could not be resuscitated.

Nixon continued: “The weather conditions yesterday were obviously not appropriate to be in the water surfing, whether you’re experienced or you’re not experienced. It is a risk that you take that you put other people in danger.”

One of the police rescuers also had some trouble during the incident, swallowing a good amount of water amidst the stormy conditions, and was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

Nixon added: “Do not go swimming or surfing in conditions like this when we know that it’s going to be treacherous conditions. You put yourself at risk. You put people that jump in to help you at risk. You put the emergency services at risk.”

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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