Woonona Beach: Stephen Mote dies trying to save his boy from surf

A grandfather has revealed his pain at the loss of his son, who drowned at a popular Illawarra beach while trying to save his 10-year-old from a freak wave.

A heartbroken grandfather says he is moved by his “humble” son’s bravery after he died trying to save his grandson in water off a beach near Wollongong.

Stephen Mote’s 10-year-old son Kingston and his niece were swept out to sea by a freak wave at Woonona Beach when he tried to bring them to safety about 5.30pm on Saturday.

His father Sauaga Mote told The Daily Telegraph today he had been left shattered after his son’s partner phoned him about an hour later and said he had died when rescuing the two children.

“My son, my oldest … his (partner) tried to call me around 7pm last night, she said ‘are you strong?’ … I asked what’s going on, please explain properly? And I heard she said: ‘Stephen’s gone’,” Mr Mote said.

Sauaga Mote, the father of Stephen Mote who drowned yesterday at Woonona beach as he tried to save his children. Picture: Adam Yip

Grief-stricken family members at the scene of the drowning yesterday at Woonona Rock Pool, Kurraba Road, Woonona. Picture: TNV

“She said my grandchildren, my daughter’s old daughter and Stephen’s third son got in trouble (in the water).

“Stephen tried to save them … (that means) a lot, I put my right hand here on my heart, I just think to god for the spirit of the lord to be with me, to make me strong.”

Five adults and three children were treated by paramedics on the beach and the children were taken to Wollongong Hospital in stable conditions.

NSW Ambulance spokesman said one person — believed to be aged in his 40s — was pronounced dead at the scene.

A grandfather has revealed his heartbreak at the loss of his son in the incident. Picture: TNV

Police said the children had been playing in the shallows when they were suddenly swept out to sea.

Bystanders used jet skis and surfboards to assist the group back to shore but Stephen was pulled unconscious from the water and later declared dead at the scene.

Mr Mote senior said he already missed his son and described him as “humble”.

“He is a very good boy, he is humble, friendly … “I miss him, his kids (have) all my heart,” he said.

Steven Mote who drowned while trying to rescue family members. Picture: 9 News

Sauaga Mote says his son Stephen was humble and brave. Picture: Adam Yip

Stephen, who worked in the disability sector, was living in Macquarie Fields with his four sons and partner before his death.

Mr Mote senior was born in Samoa and raised Stephen in New Zealand before they relocated to Australia.

The tragic scene at Woonona Beach. Picture: TNV

NSW Ambulance inspector Matt Sterling described the incident as “absolutely heartbreaking”.

“No words can describe the scene we were faced with today,” he said.

“The surfers and surf lifesavers that jumped in to save these patients are simply heroic. I can’t thank them enough.”

The Lifesaver Helicopter was also called to the scene and landed near the surf club.