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Dog drowns after being sucked into rip at popular tourist beach

A pregnant couple want to warn beachgoers to stay vigilant while at a popular tourist beach after their beloved dog was never seen again.

A couple have been left devastated after a swim at a popular tourist beach ended in tragedy as one of their dogs was pulled into a reef.

Georgia Crook had been standing in thigh-deep water at 11 Mile Beach in Esperance with her two dogs over the weekend.

One minute her two dogs were paddling around and the next one of them had been sucked into a reef with a strong rip.

“It all happened in about two seconds and in front of our eyes,” Ms Crook told 7 News.

“I knew instantly he was gone and we weren’t getting him back. He was helpless.”

Last photo of Mushu and Tilly with pregnant Georgia Crook before beach tragedy. Picture: 7 News
Last photo of Mushu and Tilly with pregnant Georgia Crook before beach tragedy. Picture: 7 News

Her partner Ash Bowman swam out to try and rescue their pup from the reef, obtaining cuts while he thrashed in the water.

It was the last time they would see their dog Mushu.

The couple were devastated and in shock that such a horrific accident would take place at the seemingly calm beach.

They shared their experience on a local community Facebook page to warn other dog-owners and beachgoers.

The couple went home that day with just border collie Tilly. Picture: 7 News
The couple went home that day with just border collie Tilly. Picture: 7 News

They were shocked when people flooded into the comments sharing eerily similar stories.

“Sorry to hear about this. I lost my dog many years ago in the same spot,” one person said.

“So sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time this has happened. It really is dangerous,” another commenter wrote.

“I worry for anyone swimming near these spots. It should be covered with mesh and signposted. [It’s] so sad.”

Other people shared similar tragedies that had taken place in the same spot. Picture: 7 News
Other people shared similar tragedies that had taken place in the same spot. Picture: 7 News

While there is signage at the beach there is nothing to indicate where the reef becomes dangerous.

Ms Crook said she is concerned a child could be swept away in the rip in the same way as their dog Mushu.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/dog-drowns-after-being-sucked-into-rip-at-popular-tourist-beach/news-story/71000ec6b6a1c76283b050ee4c2dd05e