Local cyclists to pay tribute to Port Campbell lifesavers Ross and Andy Powell

Local cyclists at Port Campbell will ride to remember their friend Andy Powell, who died in a tragic surf lifesaving accident with his father Ross on Easter Sunday.

Local cyclists at Port Campbell will tomorrow ride to remember their friend Andrew Powell, who was taken in a tragic surf lifesaving accident with his father Ross on Sunday.

Port Campbell cyclists will embark on ‘Ride for Andy,’ a 30 kilometre group ride along the Great Ocean Road in memory of the 32-year-old, who was a passionate cyclist and dedicated surf lifesaving club member.

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‘In riding for Andy we remember the countless times he rode with us and the memories we share,’ the event invitation reads.

‘Rest in Peace Andy and Ross.’

The volunteer lifesavers and dairy farmer pair were part of a rescue mission near the Twelve Apostles after a tourist got into trouble on Easter Sunday.

Andy Powell and his father died on Easter Sunday in a tragic surf lifesaving accident near the Twelve Apostles

The boat that the pair and local CFA captain Philip Younis were taking out to rescue a foreign tourist flipped in a large swell, tossing all three into the treacherous waters.

Police, firefighters and lifesavers worked to winch Mr Younis and the tourist to safety. But their search for the Powells soon became a rescue mission and their bodies were found in the water.

A member of numerous rescue and service organisations, Ross earned bravery awards as part of another Easter Sunday rescue in nearby Loch Ard Gorge almost 30 years ago, saving two people.

Andy Powell was a passionate cyclist and dedicated surf lifesaving club member.

Andy was the youngest of five children, an active volunteer and had won Young Farmer of the Year in 2017.

The tragedy has rocked the small coastal town of Port Campbell, but Victorians have rallied, with more than $120,000 raised to support Andy’s unborn daughter, who is due in August, and partner Amber.

The ride begins at Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club tomorrow at 9am.