Ahmad Alfarhan: Teen drowns trying to save mate at Browns Beach

A teen who drowned trying to save his mate after he was swept off rocks at a South Australian beach has been praised for his ‘heroic act’.

Ahmad Alfarhan’s body was recovered in waters at Browns Beach Picture: Supplied by SAPOL

A teenager who drowned trying to save his mate in South Australia has been praised for his “heroic act”.

Ahmad Alfarhan was killed when he was one of five people swept off the rocks at the Yorke Peninsula’s Browns Beach on Saturday.

He was the only person who did not return to safety.

The 16-year-old’s body was found by police divers just before 11.30am on Sunday in waters off Browns Beach after an extensive search.

Superintendent Mark Syrus said the teenager from Paralowie in Adelaide’s north had gone in to rescue his friend who had slipped and fell into the water.

“It’s very tragic,” Superintendent Syrus told reporters at the scene.

“The missing person was the first person that actually went in to save his mate.

“We really see that as a really heroic act to try and rescue his mate.

“Unfortunately, it was to his demise.”

Local fishermen, Sea Rescue, State Emergency Service, Country Fire Service and national parks crews assisted police with the initial search, but the boy was unable to be found after the first day.

The search was called off about 7.45pm on Saturday and resumed at first light on Sunday morning.

Police thanked members of the community for their assistance with the search.

They will now prepare a report for the coroner.

“The boy’s family would appreciate their privacy being respected at this time,” SA Police said in a statement.