Australia's east coast faced a devastating Easter weekend as powerful waves claimed the lives of at least six individuals. A low-pressure system generated surf heights exceeding 24 feet, leading to hazardous conditions from Queensland to New South Wales, including popular spots like Sydney and Byron Bay.
The fatalities included five men who drowned while fishing or exploring rocky areas, alongside a woman in Victoria who was swept into the sea. Despite emergency services' efforts to rescue individuals, one victim could not be revived, while a 14-year-old boy remains in stable condition following a rescue at Wattamolla Beach.
Tragically, two more individuals are still unaccounted for, with search efforts ongoing. Surf Life Saving Australia had issued warnings about the dangerous surf, urging beachgoers to avoid unpatrolled areas.
Over the past decade, 630 lives have been lost at beaches without lifeguard services, highlighting the severe risks posed by such conditions. Just weeks prior, similar waves had inundated homes and flooded streets in Sydney, emphasizing the perilous nature of the coastal environment.
The recent events serve as a grim reminder of the ocean's unpredictable power and the need for caution along Australia's beautiful yet treacherous shores.
