Bodies of two teenage Japanese nationals found at Fraser lake

The principal of a Japanese school that lost two students after the 16-year-old boys drowned on Fraser Island has issued a heartfelt statement.

THE principal of a Japanese school that lost two students after the 16-year-old boys drowned on Fraser Island has issued a heartfelt statement.

Principal Kikuchi Hisashi posted the statement to the website of Kanagawa University High School, a private school in Yokohama, on Saturday after the bodies of the two teens were discovered at Lake McKenzie.

The school has an exchange program with Caloundra City Private School, on the Sunshine Coast.

He said the two boys had been participants in the Australian Overseas Exchange Program and the visit to Fraser Island was for an eco-tour. They had arrived in Brisbane last Monday and had travelled to Fraser Island on Thursday.

Surf Life Saving Queensland in record summer of rescues

Lifesavers plead for caution after spate of water deaths

“I am very sorry that such an accident happened in the overseas exchange program,” Mr Hisashi said. “In the future, this program will be thoroughly reviewed to prevent re-occurence.”

The pair had become separated from their tour group on Friday afternoon and failed to turn up for a head count.

They were staying at Kingfisher Resort and had enjoyed a day of sightseeing and four-wheel-driving when a stop at the picturesque lake turned into tragedy.

Their parents in Japan were informed of the boys’ deaths on Saturday.

The boys were known to each other, but were not relatives, police said.

Fraser Island’s Lake McKenzie as seen from the air

A statement released by Kanagawa University High School said: “The school is currently having an international exchange program in Australia where two first grade male students went missing in the afternoon on March 29th Friday, and on 30th Saturday.

“Two dead bodies believed to be theirs were found and were confirmed to be the school’s students.”

After learning the boys were missing, the tour operator called Triple 0 just after 5pm on Friday.

A land, air and water search was conducted through the night.

Jeff Ellison, chief executive of SeaLink, which runs tours, ferries and accommodation on Fraser Island, said it had been a tragic day for everyone.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event,” he said.

“We acknowledge the dedication of island residents and emergency services in the search and rescue efforts, and understand that the matter is now being handled by police in conjunction with Japanese authorities.”

Police return to Hervey Bay after the search. Picture: Ten News

Police, including divers and dog squad officers, joined a helicopter and volunteer search that led to the boys being discovered at 8.20am on Saturday.

Inspector Tony Clowes said the matter was now in the hands of the coroner, but said early investigation indicated nothing suspicious about the boys’ deaths.

“I certainly haven’t heard of an incident like this happening,” Maryborough Inspector Tony Clowes said.

“This is a tragic event, there’s no doubt about that.”

Insp Clowes said the incident served as a reminder for all swimmers to “know their abilities” around waterways.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said water safety was a priority for tourism operators.

“The tourism industry takes water safety very seriously,” he said.

“We have worked closely with Surf Life Saving Queensland to specifically develop methods that they can use to advise visitors about water safety.”

The bodies of the boys were brought to Hervey Bay from Fraser Island on Saturday afternoon.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

A police diver on Lake McKenzie. Picture: Nine News

According to the Caloundra City Private School’s website, its study experience program invites international students to spend four weeks, or one school term (10 weeks), at a cost of $6000AUD and $12,000AUD.

The Study Experience Program brochure states in part:

“The Caloundra City Private School culture supports students within an immersive environment, understanding our routines, local class structure, way of life (living with Australian host families during their stay) and exposure to a wide variety of additional activities.”