‘Shattered’: Husband’s tragic death after common act at beach

A Melbourne man has been remembered as a “beloved husband” who lived a “happy life” before he was swept out to sea while attempting a common act.

A family has been left “shattered” after a Melbourne man was swept out to sea trying to retrieve a lost item at a popular surf beach.

Sahil Panwar, believed to be in his 20s, was swimming with friends at Kilcunda Surf Beach, southeast of Melbourne, at about 8.30pm on Friday when he drowned attempting to retrieve his sunglasses.

He was found unresponsive on the beach an hour later.

Paramedics tried to retrieve Mr Panwar but he died at the scene.

In a GoFundMe set up to support the family, the man’s cousin said Mr Panwar was “living a happy life” with his wife, whom he married just four years ago.

“It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we reach out to you to share the devastating news of the untimely passing of Sahil – a vibrant young individual,” his cousin, Sunil Kumar wrote in the GoFundMe.

“His sudden and tragic departure has left his family shattered.”

He described Mr Panwar, who lived in Cranbourne East, 80km from Kilcunda Surf Beach, as a “beloved husband, son, brother, and friend.”

“[Mr Panwar was] known for his infectious laughter, warm spirit, and zest for life,” he wrote.

“His absence has left a void that can never be filled, but together, we can alleviate the financial strain that has descended upon the his family.”

Sahil Panwar was swept out to sea on Friday. Picture: GoFundMe

Mr Kumar said the family are raising funds to have Mr Panwar’s body repatriated to his home country of India and cover funeral costs.

Over $17,000 had been raised at the time of publication.

Mr Panwar was among three other men who died in a horror spate of drownings in Victoria on Friday.

Earlier that day, a man’s body was found at Merri Creek in Coburg, in Melbourne’s north at about 2.30pm.

Police have appealed for information to help identify the man, who was last seen wearing a light-coloured shirt, black shorts and black runners.

Another man was pulled to shore after being found in the waters of Phillip Island about 3.30pm.

CPR was commenced but he died at the scene.

A 51-year-old man also died near Port Welshpool in Gippsland, in Victoria’s south while freediving with friends.

He was reported missing at 3.45pm before his body was later retrieved 20km offshore.