Melbourne (TAN): Prime Minister Scott Morrison has led the stream of condolence messages to the family and friends of a father-son duo who died saving a tourist near the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone pillars off the Port Campbell National Park shore in Australia’s Victoria state.
Ross Powell, 71, and his son Andrew, 32, drowned when their boat overturned while rescuing a tourist who had been swept away by the waves.
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Reports said a helicopter rescued the tourist, who has not been named, and a third lifesaver. Bodies of the father and son were found afterwards.
“We mourn the loss of Ross & Andrew Powell, from Port Campbell SLSC, who lost their lives trying to save the life of a tourist in Victoria,” PM Morrisson tweeted.
Speaking to reporters, Surf Lifesaving Victoria president Paul James hailed the pair as heroes, and said: “It’s just terrible, it’s heartbreaking.”
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“I understand the boat was operating in a two-metre swell… so a very high swell, and we know that it is very treacherous down there… These brave people, these heroes, have gone out to try and help,” he said.
In an emotional post on Facebook, Amber Griffiths, the partner of Andrew Powell wrote: “Today we lost two of the most beautiful people to ever exist – always putting others first. The love of my life, light of my life, father of my baby girl. My heart is broken. I miss you Andrew Powell.”
