Search for woman swept off rocks in WA becomes a ‘recovery operation’

The search for woman who was swept off rocks at a natural beach spa in Western Australia has become a recovery mission.

The search for a woman who was swept off rocks at a popular tourist spot in Western Australia’s South West region has become a “recovery operation”, with police confirming she could not swim.

The 23-year-old woman had been visiting the natural spa at Injidup Beach, near Yallingup, with three friends on Sunday afternoon when she was swept away.

Two friends leapt into the water but could not rescue her, and they were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Inspector Steve George said the search resumed for the woman at first light on Monday and the conditions were good.

“We’ll continue on today until it gets dark and then we’ll reassess for tomorrow,” he told reporters.

“This person was a nonswimmer, so unfortunately it’s a recovery operation.”

Injidup Natural Spa is a popular tourist spot.

Monday’s search for the woman includes vessels, aircraft, officers along the shoreline and specialist police divers.

Police would not confirm media reports that the woman was originally from South Australia but said her family was aware of the search.

Inspector George said the tragedy was a reminder of WA’s at times “treacherous” coastline.

“WA’s got some beautiful coastline but there are dangers, so I implore everybody to take risk assessments, look at signage and don’t take unnecessary risks.”

Singaporean student Heng Yi Goh, 23, was also swept into the ocean in the same area in June, and his body was found a few weeks later.

In 2016, a 25-year-old man died after jumping from rocks in the same area.