Teenagers praised for attempt to save drowning man at Stokes Hill Wharf

NT Police have heralded three boys as heroes after diving into Darwin Harbor in an attempt to save a drowning 64-year-old man.

UPDATE 5.30PM, MON: A ‘HEROIC’ attempt to save a drowning man has ended in tragedy as a family mourns the death of a 64-year-old man.

Northern Territory Police confirmed a man was unable to be revived after falling into the water from Stokes Hill Wharf on Saturday night.

Police commended three teenage boys for their bravery after diving in after the 64-year-old man in an attempt to save him.

Superintendent Shaun Gill said the 64-year-old was with friends when he fell into the water around 8.30pm, Saturday March 26.

St John NT operations manager Craig Garraway said the man’s body was found floating in the water, with police reporting the group of teenagers took “immediate action” to help.

“The actions of these young men can only be described as heroic,” Supt. Gill said.

“Three young men jumping into the water to assist the man.

“They are a credit to themselves and their families.”

Supt. Gill said the man was brought to the boat ramp for first aid, but he was unable to be revived.

He said the three boys continued to render assistance to the police and St John NT and the Territory Response Group.

“This tragic incident will have lasting impacts on the man’s family, witnesses and those who tried to help,” Supt. Gill said.

Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Che Chorley

He said police had reviewed CCTV and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

A family friend of one of the boys said they acted valiantly to try and save the older man.

“They didn’t give up on him,” Kathy Zaf wrote on Facebook.

“They held his head out of the water until the rescue services got there.

“(It was) very brave of them.”

Other Darwin residents have echoed the police’s praise of the young attempted rescuers, calling the teens “heroes”.

“I am sorry it wasn’t a good result and my condolences to the man’s family but those boys are heroes,” Michelle Gordon wrote.

“Good to see the NT spirit is still there in some youth tragic out come but heroic actions,” Aster Nancarrow said.

“Although it’s a tragic circumstance, I am sure that your parents are very proud of you all,” Tracy Butterworth wrote.

Many shared their heartfelt grief for the deceased man and his family, and acknowledging the trauma the teenagers would have experienced.

Police have used the incident to remind everyone to be aware of safety issues at the popular Darwin Waterfront location.

Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin. Picture: Che Chorley

“Stokes Hill Wharf is a popular fishing and entertainment location but it is also a working wharf and the public should always be aware of the inherent risks,” Supt Gill said.

Many residents also highlighted their own safety concerns following the death at the wharf.

“The wharf needs railings all around for safety purposes anyway. For everyone’s safety,” Anthony Patsalou wrote.

A file will be prepared for the Coroner.

UPDATE 11.30AM, MON: THREE teenage boys have been commended for their bravery after diving after an 64-year-old man who fell from the Stokes Hill Wharf on Saturday night.

Northern Territory Police have praised the actions of the three teens who attempted to rescue the older man after he fell from the Darwin Waterfront wharf around 8.30pm, Saturday March 26.

Despite the best efforts of the teenagers and emergency services the man was unable to be revived and died as a result of the incident.

Superintendent Shaun Gill said the 64-year-old was with friends when he fell into the water.

“A nearby group of teenagers took immediate action, with three young men jumping into the water to assist the man,” Supt. Gill said.

“The actions of these young men can only be described as heroic.

“They are a credit to themselves and their families.”

Supt. Gill said the man was brought to the boat ramp for first aid, but he was unable to be revived.

He said the three boys continued to render assistance to the police and St John NT and the Territory Response Group.

“This tragic incident will have lasting impacts on the man’s family, witnesses and those who tried to help,” Supt. Gill said.

He said police had reviewed CCTV and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. “Stokes Hill Wharf is a popular fishing and entertainment location but it is also a working wharf and the public should always be aware of the inherent risks,” Supt Gill said.

A file will be prepared for the Coroner.

INITIAL 7AM MON: A 65-YEAR-OLD man who was found floating in waters near Stokes Hill Wharf on Saturday night was pronounced dead by Paramedics a short time later.

St John NT operations manager Craig Garraway described the incident as “bizarre” and said paramedics performed CPR but could not get the man’s heart to start again.

“Unfortunately paramedics stopped CPR after a certain period of time due to the person obviously being in the water for some time,” Mr Garraway told ABC Darwin.

“Police will be investigating what’s occurred there.”

The Top End has seen a spate of pedestrian incidents in the last week.

Mr Garraway said another pedestrian was struck by a car along Bagot Rd at 9pm on Friday.

“We believe the head had struck the windscreen of that car – he was quite badly injured but they aren’t life threatening injuries,” Mr Garraway said.

“So he’s recovering in hospital as we speak but I think that’s probably seven or eight car and pedestrian incidents for the week.”

Mr Garraway said two property fires occurred in Katherine over the weekend and resulted in no serious injuries.

“One in particular was at 1.30pm on Saturday at a unit complex on the second floor –

we did have one person injured but not too seriously,” he said.

“Fireys were quick on scene to start extinguishing that blaze and get that person downstairs so we could start treating him and he’s recovering quite well now.”