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

The identity of a brave Qld mechanic who risked his own life to try and save his family can be revealed after the double drowning tragedy at a popular tourist beach.

Mike Evans jumped into dangerous waters to try to save two family members in 1770 on the weekend.

The man who jumped into treacherous waters in a bid to save two family members from drowning has been identified as 37-year-old Monto mechanic Michael Evans.

Mr Evans had reportedly taken time off work to be with visiting relatives from Wales when the tragedy unfolded at the weekend.
The group had been at the 1770 lookout when his brother and nephew were caught in a rip and swept out to sea.
In an attempt to rescue them, Mr Evans jumped into the water but was critically injured in the process.
He was flown to Bundaberg Hospital before being flown onto the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

He has since been released from hospital.
Earlier, witnesses described the “horrible” moments the father, 46 and son, 17 were pulled from the water.

Mike Evans tried to save his brother and nephew after they were swept away by a rip at the 1770 lookout. PHOTO: Facebook

Multiple people said the pair were swimming off the coast of Round Hill Head, directly east of the 1770 camping ground, when disaster struck.

One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said she saw rescue crews pull the father 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.

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 as it was so “choppy and scary”.

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

The 37-year-old Monto mechanic 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 (along with two ambulances),” she said

“I can see all the police and helicopters.”
Mr Evans has been contacted.