Search for missing Cairns woman Madison Tam comes to tragic end

The search for a missing woman who disappeared at a notoriously dangerous swimming hole has come to a tragic end.

The search for a missing Cairns teenager has come to a tragic end after her body was recovered from a notoriously dangerous waterhole.

Cairns woman Madison Tam, 18, went missing on Monday while swimming at Babinda Boulders.

Ms Tam, a student from White Rock, disappeared while at the Devil’s Pool area of the dangerous swimming hole on Monday afternoon, according to the Cairns Post.

An extensive search effort was launched to find Ms Tam, with police, SES volunteers, firefighters and volunteers from the Babinda community taking part.

Queensland police announced on Friday afternoon that her body had been recovered.

Cairns woman Madison Tam went missing on Monday afternoon.

Search teams looking for Madison Tam at Devil’s Pool. Picture: QPS

Sadly, the body of a missing 18-year-old woman has been located this afternoon. https://t.co/m4ynXgEhwc pic.twitter.com/wkGADRurzW

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) April 10, 2020

The young woman’s body was located by a local resident who’d been helping in the search effort at about 1pm on Friday.

Jason Smith, Far North Police Detective Acting Inspector said the incident had affected the entire community.

“We're really pleased we can return this poor girl's body and give some closure during this investigation,” Det Insp Smith said.

Ms Tam’s parents have been informed of the discovery.

Search efforts had been hampered by the dangerous terrain and waters. The dangerous Devil’s Pool has claimed the lives of at least 17 people in the last 60 years, the Cairns Post reports.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.