Coronial spotlight on deaths at Josephine Falls

The dangers of a popular Far North swimming spot will be examined in a coronial inquest after the deaths of two tourists.

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THE tragic deaths of two tourists at a popular but notoriously dangerous Far North swimming hole will come under the spotlight as Coroner Nerida Wilson questions what could be done to prevent ­further fatalities.

Signs at the entrance to Josephine Falls warn tourists of the dangers of rising floodwaters. Pic: ELISABETH CHAMPION

Korean tourist Youngeun Kim was swept away at Josephine Falls on January 23 last year and just under two years earlier British tourist Thomas Hunt died under the same ­circumstances on February 23, 2016.

Both the deaths occurred around the same time, in the late afternoon, after recent heavy rain during the Far North’s wet season.

Tourist dies after being swept away in floodwaters at Josephine Falls. PHOTO: Elisabeth Champion

An inquest, to be held later this year, will examine a ­number of issues including what, if any, measures can be put in place to reduce the risk of water-related fatalities at ­Josephine Falls including whether or not the area should be closed to swimming during heavy rains.

It was previously reported that Ms Kim had got into trouble about 4pm and had to cling to a rock in the middle of the swollen river. She died after she tried to move from her position and was washed away.

Her body was found about 7.25pm but could not be ­retrieved until the next morning because the water conditions were still very dangerous.

Police are warning both tourists and locals to take care while swimming in creeks and streams this wet season. Conditions can change quickly and submerged and slippery rocks can prove deadly. Andrew Huxham slides down Josephine Falls on his feet. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE.

Mr Hunt, 25, had been swimming about 5.30pm when he got into trouble after heavy rain had turned the waterfall into a fast-flowing torrent.

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He was swept away and his body was found the following day.

According to Royal Life Saving Association of Australia figures there have been six deaths at Josephine Falls in the last 16 years.

Ms Kim’s death was at least the fourth since 2007.

Emergency services resume the search for a man missing at Josephine Falls. PICTURE: GRACE MASON

Another Korean, a 26-year-old man, drowned in March 2010. He was the third tourist to die since 2000.

Coroner Wilson will also examine whether there is enough signs, if the access to mobile phone or landline communication can be improved, if there needs to be additional warning systems, improved ­infrastructure and if anything can be done to improve emergency service response time.

A 1996 Department of Environment review of visitor safety Josephine Falls had a history of seven deaths, three of which had occurred in the 12 months to June 1997.

A pre-inquest conference is listed for late next month.

Originally published as Coronial spotlight on deaths at Josephine Falls