MAGGIE TRAGEDY
ISLAND SHOCK AFTER MAN DIES AT BEACH
A MAN died on a Magnetic Island beach yesterday afternoon leaving the small community in shock.
The man, understood to be in his 20s, was pulled unconscious from the water at Horseshoe Bay and could not be revived. Police said lifesavers attempted CPR on the man and Queensland Ambulance Service attended but he was declared dead about 1pm.
THE tight- knit Magnetic Island community has been left in a state of shock after a man died at the popular tourist location of Horseshoe Bay.
The man, believed to be his 20s, died after he was pulled unconscious from the water about 12.30pm yesterday.
A police spokesman said the man was discovered by a woman in the water.
“Surf lifesavers have attempted CPR and the Queensland Ambulance Service has also attended. However, he was declared deceased around 1pm,” the spokesman said.
It is understood tourism operators on the beach also tried to resuscitate the man.
Surf Life Saving Queensland spokesman Cameron Ward said there was one lifesaver on duty at the time of the incident.
“A lifeguard found the patient unresponsive in the water,” he said.
“The patient was swimming within the stinger net.”
“Details regarding the cause of death are unknown at this stage, and will be investigated by QPS and the Queensland Coroner.”
Stinger nets were rolled out at Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay in October.
Surf Life Saving Queensland announced it would conduct an extensive review into the incident.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends,” the SLSQ statement said.
“The safety of beachgoers is our first and foremost priority as an organisation and, with that in mind, SLSQ will be conducting an extensive review into this incident and any contributing factors.
“We will also be working closely with all other relevant authorities including the QPS and QAS.
“The lifeguard involved has been offered peer support counselling, and this support will continue for as long as needed.”
Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks owner Craig Crichpon said Horseshoe Bay was popular with tourists and locals, particularly those interested in watersports. He did not regard the bay as dangerous.
“It’s a pretty protected bay,” Mr Crichpon said. “Horseshoe Bay itself is probably more of the touristy part of the island.”
He led a group of tourists on a kayaking tour yesterday morning but ended it due to the heat before the man was pulled out of the water.