Father, son killed in horror double drowning tragedy at 1770, Qld

New details have emerged about an horrific double drowning tragedy at a popular Central Queensland Beach which has rocked its nearby tourist town.

Witnesses have opened up on the “horrible” moments a father and son were pulled from the water in an horrific double drowning tragedy which has rocked a popular Central Queensland tourist town.

Witnesses have opened up on the “horrible” moments a father and son were pulled from the water in an horrific double drowning tragedy which has rocked a popular Central Queensland tourist town.

The pair, a 46-year-old man and 17-year-old boy, were killed after being swept into the ocean off 1770 early Sunday afternoon and a third man critically injured.

Multiple people said the pair were swimming off the coast of Round Hill Head, directly east of the 1770 camping ground, when the tragedy unfolded about 2pm.

One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said she saw rescue crews pull the body of the 46-year-old from the water on the eastern side of the point.

“His clothes were torn after being pulled from the rocks,” they said.

Multiple people said the pair were swimming off the coast of Round Hill Head, directly east of the 1770 camping ground, when the tragedy unfolded about 2pm.

The boy was reportedly pulled from the water on the western side of the point about 4.30pm.

Another man, a 37-year-old from Monto, was also saved from the water.

Several people claimed he had jumped in to try and rescue the father and son, who are understood to have been in the town on holiday from Wales.

The 37-year-old was first taken to Bundaberg Hospital before being flown to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

One woman said the wind was blowing a gale off the coast on Sunday afternoon.

She was a regular paddleboarder but decided against hitting the water herself it was so “choppy and scary”.

“If you were to swim down there you’d be crazy,” she said.

The town was left shocked by the drownings Monday with several calling it “horrible” and devastating.

A 37-year-old man from Monto was first taken to Bundaberg Hospital before being flown to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

“Sunday’s mission was a difficult one,” Rescue 300 helicopter spokesman said on social media Sunday.

“Emergency services were called to 1770 after reports three people had been swept out into the ocean.

“Multiple crews were tasked to the scene, including CapRescue.

“Despite the best efforts of all involved, two people tragically lost their lives. One patient was transported by air to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.”

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

A worker at one of the restaurants bordering the beach said she watched the ordeal unfold from the bar.

“Three to four police cars showed up,” she said, along with two ambulances.

She said a helicopter continued to circle the area.

“I can see all the police and helicopters,” she said.

“We’re watching from the bar.”