Little Bay deaths: Man and boy pulled from water

A father and son have been killed after reportedly being washed off the rocks at Little Bay. The nine-year-old boy was winched from the water but couldn’t be saved.

A father and son have died after being swept off the rocks at Little Bay.

The man, 40, and his nine-year-old son were walking along the rocks when a wave knocked them into the water.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched the boy and life savers pulled the man from the water. Despite CPR both died at the scene.

Eyewitnesses have told how the father and son had been walking along the water’s edge around 3pm.

It is understood a woman was also with them.

Two local spearfishermen, who asked not to be named, said a wave took them both into the water.

The father and son had been down at Little Bay together, police confirmed. Picture TNV.

A nine-year-old boy and man have died after being pulled from the water in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Picture: 7News

They said the woman who was with them called out for help and those nearby rushed over and reached out to them.

As the spearfishermen attempted to swim over the men started to panic and take on water, they said.

By the time the pair had got anywhere near the father and son both were underwater.

Meanwhile emergency services had been called and the Westpac and Toll helicopters were scrambled.

The rock platform where the pair were swept away

A thong believed to have belonged to the man who drowned.

Nearby surf lifesavers also rushed to the scene.

President of Surf Life-Saving NSW George Shales said that neither of the pair had been wearing life jackets.

He said the boy was winched from one of the helicopters and CPR was started on-board. He was transported to the top of the golf course where ambulance workers continued CPR.

“The 40-year-old male, the father, was retrieved by life guards out of the water onto rocks and CPR was commenced,” he said. “Unfortunately CPR was unsuccessful on both occasions.”

He said emergency services then turned to supporting family members who were also there.

Shane Daw, General Manager Coastal Safety at Surf Life Saving Australia, said it had been the latest event in a tragic summer.

“Witnesses say the father and son were climbing across the rocks at the time they got washed off,” he said.

It is understood the pair were swept off the rocks.

Eyewitnesses said in the hours after the drownings items belonging to the pair began to wash in, including a hat and a thong.

Mr Shales said: “The conditions today on the water were actually pretty good, which is a reminder that life jackets are vital and you don’t need to have horrible conditions for it to be risky for people.”

He said it had been a devastating summer for NSW. Since December 1, there have been 17 drownings across the state’s coast. This compares to four in the same period last year.

He said it is too early to know the full circumstances of the drowning, but urged beachgoers to be cautious.

Helicopters landed on the nearby golf course to assist. Picture: TNV

“If you are on or around rocks, the tidal flows and wave action is quite deceiving,” he said.

“You should always be aware of conditions around you, wear life jackets as they save lives and if you’re unsure of the sea conditions stay out of the water.

“If you’re swimming at a beach, swim at a protected location, swim between the red and yellow flags and again if you’re unsure of the conditions and you’re not a strong swimmer and the conditions are poor please reach out to a surf life saver or lifeguard to ask about the conditions.

The Westpac helicopter as it leaves the scene at Little Bay. Picture: Damian Shaw

“Don’t swim alone and if you’re unsure about anything, don’t go in the water.”

The area is a popular spot for rock fishing and has been touched by tragedy in the past.

Last year Randwick was named as the most dangerous LGA for rock fishing in NSW.

Yesterday evening Surf Life Saving NSW said the circumstances of the tragedy were still being looked into.

“It read: “Lifesavers said the man may have entered the water to try to rescue the child. It’s unclear if the pair were rock fishing at the time.”

The statement added that surf lifesavers have responded to 18 emergency incidents at the location in the last three years.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.