‘Another tragic blow’: Bodies of two women, aged 67 and 65, have been recovered waters near Streaky Bay

Two women have died and their bodies recovered from the ocean near a popular Eyre Peninsula destination on Tuesday afternoon.

Back Beach near Streaky Bay where two women have drowned. Picture: Supplied

The bodies of two women have been recovered from the water near Streaky Bay, after reports they were swept out to sea while fishing on Tuesday morning.

After an extensive search, police and emergency services recovered the bodies of two women - a 67-year-old from Sturt and 65-year-old from Streaky Bay - after they went missing near Back Beach, 9.4 kms from the Eyre Peninsula town.

Both were pulled from the water on Tuesday afternoon but could not be revived.

Mayor of Streaky Bay Travis Barber said the small community and surrounding areas had suffered over recent years from a number of tragedies, and gave his condolences to the loved ones of the two women.

Back Beach near Streaky Bay where two women have drowned. Picture: Supplied

Police at Streaky Bay Hospital after two women went missing at Back Beach. Picture: Supplied

“It is another tragic blow for our community of Streaky Bay and my condolences go out to the family and friends at this very tough time,” he said.

“My thoughts and thanks also go out to the volunteers and first responders that have had to deal with yet another tragic incident of which would be very close to home for many of them, as it does when you live in a small close knit community.

“We will rally around them and pull together again.”

9News Adelaide has reported that a surfer attempted to rescue the women, successfully pulling one of the women from the water, however, she was unable to be revived.

A short while later, the body of a second woman was discovered.

The Advertiser understands that the two women were fishing when at least one was caught in a large swell.

The alarm was raised about 11.15am on Tuesday for the pair, who were last seen near Back Beach Rd.

Police at the scene were assisted by SAPOL’s Water Operations Unit and the SES.

Back Beach is a popular surf spot and is not recommended for swimmers due to strong rips and persistent waves.

Police at Back Beach near Streaky Bay where two women have drowned. Picture: Supplied

Back Beach at Streaky Bay.

Earlier this year, 28-year-old Lance Appleby was fatally attacked by a shark while surfing at a beach southwest of Streaky Bay.

In March, the local council and Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) released a report that found inadequate communication due to “black spots” around Streaky Bay hampered mitigating shark attacks.

Originally published as ‘Another tragic blow’: Bodies of two women, aged 67 and 65, have been recovered waters near Streaky Bay