Deceased woman found on beach named as 27-year-old doctor Gemma Diessel

A woman in her 20s who was found at a Sunshine Coast beach has been identified as a young doctor who may have gone for a midnight swim.

A woman who died off a Sunshine Coast beach has been named as junior doctor Gemma Diessel, 27.

Police were called to Dicky Beach, north of Caloundra, at about 5.15am on Thursday following reports the body of a young woman aged in her early 20s had been found.

It’s understood an off-duty lifeguard made the heartbreaking discovery as the sun was rising over the popular beach.

It has now been confirmed that Ms Diessel, a Griffith University graduate working on the Sunshine Coast, passed away.

The Dicky Beach surfing community has been left reeling after the body of a young woman washed ashore early on Thursday.

Police believe she had gone swimming some time after midnight and got into trouble in the water.

Ms Diessel may have been with friends before deciding to take the late-night swim.

Talking to Channel 9, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service CEO Naomi Dwyer offered her sympathies to Ms Diessel’s family, friends and work colleagues.

“Our sincere condolences go out to this young woman’s family at this very sad time,” Prof Dwyer said, adding the hospital was offering counselling to staff members affected by the tragic event.

Gemma Diessel was a doctor at Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

Police have said Gemma may have gone for a late night swim when she got into trouble.

Police, paramedics and lifeguards removed the young woman’s body just after 6am Queensland time.

The police spokeswoman said the young woman’s death was not being treated as suspicious.

A report will be prepared for the coroner and officers are “in the sad process” of notifying the young woman’s family.