One man dead, one missing feared dead after falling off jetski

A man who died, and another who is missing, after coming off a jetski on the Hawkesbury River this morning were not wearing life jackets and couldn’t swim.

Paramedics work on one of the men. Picture: TNV.

Two men who are believed to have died after coming off a jetski on the Hawkesbury River this morning were not wearing life jackets and couldn’t swim.

It is understood Merrylands locals Ehsan Salmanzader, 50, and Mehidi Saberian, 61, were riding on the jet ski at an area known as Percys Place Ski Garden near Burdekin Rd, Wilberforce, when Mr Salmanzader took a corner too sharply and lost control of the vehicle.

Distraught loved ones broke down on the banks of the river. Picture: TNV

A 50-year-old man remains missing. Picture: TNV

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Mr Salmanzader, Mr Saberian and a third passenger were thrown into the water at high speed about 10.30am.

While the third passenger was able to swim to safety, Mr Salmanzader and Mr Saberian were knocked unconscious in the crash.

Mr Salmanzader was rushed to shore by a passing jetskier, and paramedics tried to revive him but he could not be saved.

Mr Saberian remains missing, feared dead.

Police understand the two men were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.

They have also been informed the men could not swim.

Paramedics treated a man at the scene. Picture: TNV

Hawkesbury Police Area Command Duty Officer Garry Sims said police divers are searching the Hawkesbury River near Wilberforce for any trace of the missing man.

“We have police divers who are conducting a search in quite hazardous water conditions. They are assisted by our colleagues from the State Emergency Service,” he said.

“Earlier today, we had helicopters from Toll Ambulance and Surf Life Saver also assisting.

“There were a lot of resources thrown at this to try and have a good outcome.”

The two men fell into the water this morning. Picture: TNV

Mr Salmanzader and Mr Saberian were visiting the area for the day with a large group of family and friends.

“It was quite heartbreaking. They were a large group of friends enjoying pretty much a picture perfect day here on the Hawkesbury,” Mr Sims said.

“There was a combination of adults and small children and, as you can imagine, they are all quite devastated at the incident, which has caused possibly the loss of two people.”

Police are urging anyone on the river to avoid the search area, and ensure they are wearing a life jacket at all times.