Rushes Creek: Teen cousins killed in ‘freak accident’ with ‘devastated’ grandfather at controls

Two cousins aged 13 and 14 have been killed after a towed inflatable the girls were riding struck a submerged stump. Their grandfather, at the boat’s helm, was “devastated” in the moments after.

Two cousins have been killed after an inflatable they were riding struck a submerged stump while they were being towed by their grandfather in a boat in country NSW.

The two teenagers, Hannah Seymour, 14, and Rebecca Teuma, 13, were tubing with their 72-year-old grandfather when they collided with the hidden tree in Lake Keepit at Rushes Creek, about 60km northwest of Tamworth, on Tuesday evening.

Members of the public and paramedics tried to perform CPR on the girls, but they could not be revived and were declared dead at the scene.

The distraught grandfather, who had been in control of the boat while towing his granddaughters, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

No charges have been laid.

Emergency services at the scene of the tragedy on Tuesday. Picture: 9NEWS

Witness Dale Jenner told Channel 9 that the grandfather was “devastated” in the moments after the incident.

“I knew they were in trouble when they were in between the trees and the girls we saw on the tube weren’t on the tube anymore,” Mr Jenner said. “It was just a freak accident, I think.”

Oxley Superintendent Bruce Grassick said officers were working with specialist police from Marine Area Command to piece together what had happened.

“Unfortunately, as it went over a wake, the biscuit has propelled these children into a submerged stump,” he said.

“It was quite a traumatic incident, there was quite a significant impact as a result of the speed the boat was travelling at, the fact that the children were on the biscuit unprotected.”

Supt Grassick said the 72-year-old driver of the boat was “traumatised”. A passenger on the boat was uninjured.

The girls were being towed behind a boat in Lake Keepit when they struck a stump.

“This is a very tragic accident. A 13 year old and 14 year old have lost their lives on the water. At this time of year it’s a terrible thing to happen,” he said. “It’s a really tough situation for this family to deal with at the moment”.

Photos posted to social media on Boxing Day had captured a happy family Christmas trip involving the girls in the last few days before the incident, with presents piled up high under outdoor gazebos, and young siblings and cousins linking arms.

“Chrissy 2022 done right! The fam at the dam, what more could you want,” a family member had posted online on Monday.

One photo of Hannah has since been flooded with comments expressing support and condolences.

“Sending all our love,” one reads, while another said: “Thinking of you and the family”.

A family member told The Daily Telegraph that “two beautiful ladies were taken too soon in what can only be described as a tragic accident”.

And another woman said Hannah was a “beautiful young girl”.

Keepit Dam is a popular water skiing location, with the Water NSW website calling it a “popular inland sport and reservation destination, offering year-round attractions for water sports”.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has been launched, and reports will be prepared for the Coroner.

Keepit Dam is a popular water skiing location. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

The Christmas holiday period has seen water tragedies take place across the state, with more than 600 rescues performed in the past three days alone.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the incident was deeply upsetting.

“My heart goes out to the young children’s families,” he said.

“It’s an incredibly tragic circumstance and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and your families in this very difficult time.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet joined volunteer surf lifesavers to issue a water safety warning on Tuesday morning. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

“In the last three days we’ve seen 630 rescues on our waterways. Whilst it’s been great to see people across NSW flocking to the beach, the river or the pool these holidays, I urge everyone to continue to remain vigilant and stay safe in the water.

“There are simple steps families can take to stay safe. Please supervise children, swim between the flags, wear a life jacket when required and always listen to the warnings from emergency service personnel.”

Fifty-five people lost their lives in NSW waterways last year.