Body of missing snorkeller found off Altona beach
The body of a missing snorkeller has been found two days after she vanished from Altona beach.
Victoria
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The body of a missing snorkeller who vanished from Altona beach on Saturday has been found.
Search and rescue crews found the body of the 20-year-old Ashwood woman about 11am Monday.
Police will now prepare a report for the coroner.
The woman’s brothers raised the alarm after she failed to resurface while snorkelling near the pier around 11.15am on Saturday.
It is understood she was wearing a weight belt which helps counteract the buoyancy of a wetsuit.
The woman’s distraught family were at the scene on Saturday and Sunday but remained tight-lipped about her identity as they came to terms with the tragedy.
As the hours went by and the efforts seemed futile, one of the family members collapsed to the ground cradling his head in his hands before being consoled by two others.
The beach continued to be a popular spot for families over the weekend.
Life Saving Victoria’s director of lifesaving services Kane Treloar said the woman was last seen about 100m out from shore and about 400m outside of the flagged zone.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends … during what is no doubt an extremely distressing time,” Mr Treloar said.
“For divers and snorkellers, make sure you’re always heading out with a mate and staying with your mate in the water. Don’t head out if you’re feeling unwell, and always dive within your limits.”
Local Rachel Sitarz, who watched on for most of the day as authorities scoured the area, said the community had been rocked by the news.
“Your heart goes out to the family. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare,” she said.
Local spearfisherman, Tim Dynon, said the area is a popular snorkelling and swimming spot but could be dangerous for beachgoers unfamiliar with the area.
“There are rocks and it drops off quite quickly, if the wind changes it would only take seconds before you get into trouble,” he said.
Water police, police divers and Surf Life Saving Victoria searched the area on Saturday.
The search area centred on the eastern side of the pier with a number of rubber dinghies, boats, divers and a police helicopter involved.
A Surf Life Saving helicopter searched the water from the air, while Life Saving Victoria launched a drone to aid in the search effort.
Another local, Erik Otten, said it was a relatively safe beach with many people about and the surf life saving club close by.
“Everybody’s a bit shocked, this is a surprise for most people,” he said.
Other locals were shocked that a snorkeller could go missing in such calm conditions.
“I’ve never seen a drowning here and I’ve lived in the area most of my life,” Tannah Galloway said.
Another local, Zac Czyzewski, said tide and wind changes could lead to rough conditions.
Across the state, 42 people have died in Victorian waterways since July 1.
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