Pro surfer Ellie Harrison among group who tried to save Thirteenth Beach victim

World tour surfer Ellie Harrison and a group of brave good Samaritans have detailed a harrowing rescue attempt of a man killed in a “surfing nightmare” at Thirteenth Beach.

The scene where a surfer died at Thirteenth Beach near Barwon Heads on Thursday. PHOTO: Lucy Crock.

A pro surfer and a group of brave good Samaritans have detailed the harrowing rescue attempt of a man killed in a “surfing nightmare” at Thirteenth Beach.

World Surf League competitor Ellie Harrison, from Barwon Heads, was one of five people who fought frantically to save the life of a Geelong surfer, 52, at the famous Victorian beach on Thursday.

The Newtown man’s leg rope was caught under a rock as he paddled into shore at Beacon point near the Bellarine Peninsula town.

Witnesses reported seeing him “get lost under the water” on his approach in.

Ms Harrison, who is preparing for the famed Rip Curl Pro next week, was about to enter the surf when she noticed four boys trying desperately to free him.

Without flinching, the 19 year-old immediately joined their efforts.

One witness reported seeing her and the other boys diving under the water in a ‘heroic’ attempt to free him.

Ellie Harrison was one of five people who tried to save the man. The Barwon Heads local will compete in the Rip Curls Pro next week. Photo: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

The group eventually managed to release the man from the swell and rush him onto the beach.

They attempted CPR but he could not be saved.

Ms Harrison confirmed her involvement but was too upset to comment.

One witness described the leg rope scenario as a “surfing nightmare” on Thirteenth Beach.

There was a large build up of seaweed but the conditions were said to be perfect.

Leopold’s Nathan Pounder, 20, said he arrived at the Beacon break to check the surf as they pulled the man out of the water.

It’s believed the Newtown man may have been dead for several minutes in the water before first respondents got to him.

“There were a few young guys who were there helping,” he said.

“It wasn’t small, it was at least five foot (swell) with just pros and locals out.”

Paramedics at the scene of the tragedy on Thursday. Photo: Nine.

Mr Pounder said the beach quickly crowded with surfers, many of whom watched on in shock and unsure how to help.

“You feel it in the community,” he said.

“I drove down the beach a bit to surf Boings later, it was clean and big, but I just went home and did nothing.

“It rattles you.”

Ms Harrison is one of Australia’s most promising surfers and impressed at the Rip Curl Pro last year in an impressive debut on the world surfing tour.

She beat two-time defending Bells champion Tyler Wright and Australian star Molly Picklum, and will again compete in the event starting next Friday, April 18.

Victoria Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the sad death.

Originally published as Pro surfer Ellie Harrison among group who tried to save Thirteenth Beach victim