Huge wave, then mum was gone
A FAMILY beach outing turned to tragedy when a “wonderful” mum was swept off rocks in front of her young son.
Anjana Vaghela, 37, and husband Chetan Bhoi were combing Lorne Beach near Stony Creek when waves washed them into the ocean.
Mr Bhoi clambered up rocks but his wife, who couldn’t swim, was swept away.
Passers-by pulled the Keilor East woman from the water and she was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition. She died a fortnight later.
Mr Bhoi told News Corp: “Suddenly a big wave came and we were both swept in.
“Then two other big waves came,’’ he said. “Suddenly I held the rock and the waves stopped.
“I looked for my wife but I couldn’t see. The water took her in.
“I was injured as well because the rocks were very sharp. When I saw my wife I could just see her hands.
“It was too late by the time she was out.”
He said the family still couldn’t believe it. “We were just walking there and then she was gone.”
Ms Vaghela’s son, Arpan, 8, and her parents, visiting from India, watched from the shore.
The family ran for help but the beach was deserted. About 15 minutes later they found good Samaritans who jumped into the water.
Police, paramedics and surf lifesavers also responded to the accident, which occurred on Good Friday about 10am.
Ms Vaghela and Mr Bhoi, on getting residency only a year ago, were reunited with Arpan, who had been living with his grandparents overseas.
“She was always very caring and loved our son very much,’’ Mr Bhoi said.
“I haven’t come out of the shock because I was almost in the same situation. I don’t know how I came out.”
Family friend Marion Fryer, who worked with Ms Vaghela at a supermarket in Far North Queensland before the family relocated to Melbourne, said the beloved mum’s greatest joy was being permanently reunited with Arpan.
“She was a smart young lady with a drive and dedication to her goal of becoming an Australian citizen with her family that went way beyond the norm,’’ Ms Fryer.
“Anjana was very caring and concerned about doing the right thing by everyone and wanted to learn everything about Australia that she could,’’ Ms Fryer said.
“We have truly lost a wonderful person, good friend and a bright light in the Australian multicultural community.”
To help the family, visit gofundme.com/ arpanlosthismum