A drowning at Cabarita Beach, a fatal crash on the Bucketts Way and another drowning near Taree have left three families grieving after a devastating weekend across the North Coast.
The first tragedy struck about 12.30pm on Saturday, 19 September, when surfers spotted a man’s body in the water at Cabarita Beach. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District arrived to find three members of the public attempting to revive the swimmer.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man before rushing him to Tweed Valley Hospital, where he later died. He is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged in his 50s.
The following morning, tragedy struck again on the Bucketts Way, near Gunns Gully Road at Booral, about 30km northwest of Nelsons Bay. About 10.20am on Sunday, 20 September, a utility towing a horse float flipped and rolled, crashing into two motorcycles.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended to find one rider, a man in his 30s, had died at the scene. The second rider, a man in his 70s, suffered serious leg injuries and was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
The 18-year-old female driver of the utility was assessed by paramedics but did not require further treatment. She was taken to Stroud Police Station for a breath analysis after allegedly returning a positive roadside breath test. The horse in the float was uninjured. Police have established a crime scene and are investigating the cause of the crash.
Just hours later, a third tragedy unfolded further north. About 1.45pm on Sunday, emergency services were called to Saltwater Beach, about 18km south east of Taree, after reports three people were in trouble in the water.
Officers from Manning/Great Lakes Police District and Surf Lifesavers pulled three men, all in their 20s, from the water. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated all three, but one could not be revived. The other two were taken to Manning Base Hospital for treatment.
Police have launched investigations into all three incidents, with reports to be prepared for the Coroner.
Anyone with information about any of the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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