“Third Victim of Boating Tragedy in Australia’s East Coast Storms Identified as Robert Holden: Death Toll Rises to 10”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Title: Tragic Boating Tragedy Claims Third Victim Amidst Devastating Storms in Australia’s East Coast

Introduction:
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the third victim of a boating tragedy caused by the “horrific” storms that ravaged Australia’s east coast over the Christmas period has been identified. Robert Holden, a 48-year-old man, lost his life alongside former Queensland rugby union players David Logan and Stephen Tait when their boat capsized in ferocious conditions on Brisbane’s Moreton Bay on Boxing Day. The death toll from the storms now stands at 10, including a nine-year-old girl who was swept away in a storm drain and victims of falling trees in both Queensland and Victoria.

Details of the Tragedy:
Mr. Holden was part of a group of 11 friends on an annual fishing trip near Green Island when they were caught in the midst of the storm. With winds reaching speeds of 100km/h, visibility was reduced to just meters. While eight others onboard were rescued, the bodies of Mr. Logan, Mr. Tait, and Mr. Holden were only recovered after the storm had passed. Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Andrew Pilotto described the last moments of the three men as unimaginably awful, given the treacherous conditions.

Fundraising Efforts and Tributes:
Following the tragic incident, Mr. Holden’s son, Joshua, created a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and support his mother, Michelle. The page, which aims to raise $10,000, has already garnered over $3,000 in donations. Friends and family have also expressed their condolences, with family friend Julie-Ann Clark paying tribute to Mr. Holden on Facebook, highlighting his generosity and selflessness.

The Youngest Victim:
Among the victims of the storms, the youngest was nine-year-old Mia Holland-McCormack. Mia, who was severely autistic, tragically lost her life after being swept away by floodwaters when she jumped over the back fence of her family’s home in Rochedale South, southeast Brisbane. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Mia’s parents, Ryan and Kayla, who are now facing additional costs during this challenging time.

Other Storm-Related Deaths:
In addition to the boating tragedy and Mia’s untimely death, two women lost their lives while exploring a stormwater drain known as “The Love Tunnel” near Gympie, north of Brisbane. The women and their hiking companion were swept away by the sudden rush of water caused by the storm. The bodies of the two women have since been recovered. Furthermore, a woman and a man were found dead at a campground in Buchan, Victoria, and a Victorian man died after being struck by a falling tree branch while camping on a private property in Caringal.

Criticism of Weather Alert System:
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has criticized the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for sending out a severe weather alert after the storm had already begun. Mayor Tate received the alert at 9 pm on Christmas, well after the storm had hit the coast. The BOM responded, stating that they had issued several severe thunderstorm warnings throughout Christmas Day. The Mayor expressed his concerns about the need for improved warning systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Power Outages and Recovery Efforts:
The storms also caused significant power outages, with approximately 92,000 people in southeast Queensland and almost 30,000 people in Melbourne and Victoria’s east experiencing unplanned blackouts. Queensland Energy Minister Mark de Brenni reported that storms had caused 950 powerlines to fall, with 800 of them being on the Gold Coast. Restoration efforts are currently underway, with priority given to critical infrastructure, including water treatment facilities.

Conclusion:
As Australia’s east coast grapples with the aftermath of devastating storms, the loss of lives continues to shake communities. The tragedy on Moreton Bay serves as a painful reminder of the destructive power of nature and the need for improved warning systems. As the affected regions recover, support and fundraising efforts are underway to assist the families impacted by these heartbreaking events..