Ironman Fatality at Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
March 19th 2010 09:50
The national event was being held at Kurrawa SLSC on the Gold Coast, in rough conditions generated by the fringes of cyclone Ului, in spite of several previous injures and rescues.
Under murky skies, Saxon was on the ski leg at around 11.30 when he disappeared. The event was halted and a search commenced.
Security guard Lisa said the Inflatable Rubber Boats were concentrating their search where he disappeared rather than in the direction of the undertow.
“Then after about five minutes the helicopter arrived, but they couldn’t see him,” she said.
The tension in the crowd was palpable as every eye strained to spot the missing man while Saxon’s frantic mother looked on helplessly from the beach.
“She was distraught,” Lisa said, “it took them half an hour to find him.”
Rescuers worked on Saxon on the beach before he was taken to hospital by ambulance, but medical staff were unable to save him.
Director of Surf Sports Dave Thompson and Carnival referee John Brennan then suspended further racing, and are expected to make an announcement on the continuation of competition before morning. It is possible the entire event will be moved to more sheltered waters at North Kirra.
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