Man declared dead after getting into trouble at Qld waterfall

A man has died at a well-known Far North waterfall after being pulled unresponsive from the water, despite the efforts of first responders. What we know so far.

Josephine Falls is a the tiered waterfall on the Josephine Creek in World Heritage listed wet tropics rainforest. Picture: Brendan Radke

A man has died at a well-known Far North waterfall after being pulled unresponsive from the water, despite the efforts of first responders.

Emergency services earlier on Monday afternoon responded to reports of a swimmer needing medical attention after getting into trouble at Josephine Falls, about 30km south of Cairns, just after 2pm.

The Queensland Fire Department sent four vehicles to the waterfall in the Wooroonooran National Park.

“We had a report that there was a person in the water and they needed assistance to be removed from the water,” a spokeswoman said.

Josephine Falls has warning signs advising access to the top pool is prohibited. Picture: Supplied.

Queensland Ambulance Service also responded but police and firefighters arrived first and rendered medical assistance.

“We have got a crew responding to that, it looks like a possible post-immersion,” a spokeswoman said.

According to police initial information indicated a person entered the water about 2pm and was found unresponsive at 2.40pm.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife services have installed warning signs at Josephine Falls which indicate to swimmers when it is safe to swim, when to exercise caution and when to stay out of the water at the popular swimming hole. The installation of the warning signs came one month after a coronial inquest into two deaths at the waterfall recommended a warning system be installed. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Officers on scene administered medical assistance, however the man aged in his 30s couldn’t be saved and was declared dead at the scene.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the non-suspicious death.

Josephine Falls is a double drop waterfall fed by waters descending Queensland’s highest peak, Bartle Frere.

The waterfall has been the scene of multiple fatalities and is known for rapidly rising water and dangerous no-go sections.

The latest Far North creek incident follows the near drowning of a 23-year-old man at the Babinda Boulders on Friday.

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Originally published as Man declared dead after getting into trouble at Qld waterfall