– Diver fatalities at Dangar Falls on NSW north coast
– Fatal accident at Dangar Falls on NSW north coast.
Body Found in Search for Missing Diver at Dangar Falls
Dorrigo, New South Wales – In a tragic turn of events, the body of a man has been discovered following an extensive search for a missing diver at Dangar Falls. The incident occurred on Saturday when a 35-year-old man from Queensland was seen jumping off the 30-meter-high falls and failed to resurface. The man was part of a group of friends who were all participating in jumps from the falls.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a group of young men, equipped with go-pro cameras, performing daring dives and flips into the water. Caradi Miller, a tourist visiting from Gladstone, was present when the incident took place. She noticed one young man who appeared hesitant to jump and had a feeling that something might go wrong. Fortunately, that young man decided against jumping and avoided any harm.
Ms. Miller and her partner then made their way to the waterhole, witnessing the group of divers preparing for their jumps. One of the divers executed a spectacular performance, showcasing his diving expertise. However, feeling uneasy about the situation, Ms. Miller and her partner decided to leave before witnessing any further jumps.
Upon returning to the lookout, they were informed by onlookers that one of the divers had not resurfaced from the water. Within 15 minutes, police and emergency crews arrived at the scene, swiftly clearing approximately 50 people from the area.
This incident marks the second tragedy at a north coast waterfall this month. Just a few weeks ago, a teenager from Sydney lost his life after leaping from a rock ledge into Angourie’s Green Pool. Dangar Falls has also seen previous fatalities, including the discovery of a man’s body last year and the death of a 19-year-old German tourist in 2012.
As news of the tragedy spread, Bellingen Mayor Steve Allan expressed condolences to the family of the deceased. He emphasized the need for caution and warned against the dangers of jumping from the falls. Inspector Sally Scott, District Inspector for Coffs Clarence, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the unpredictability of the underwater conditions, especially after recent rainfall. She stressed the high risk involved in such jumps, citing potential exposure to hidden rocks and logs.
For Caradi Miller, the incident has left a deep impact, particularly knowing that she narrowly avoided witnessing the tragic fall. She expressed gratitude for their decision to turn away and walk back up the falls, considering the presence of young children swimming and people recording the dives.
The search operation has now concluded, with the recovery of the man’s body. Police will reopen the site once they have confirmed the identity of the deceased and informed his family. This serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with thrill-seeking activities and the need for caution in such situations.
As the community mourns this loss, it is essential to reflect on the importance of safety and the potential consequences of impulsive actions. Let this tragic incident serve as a reminder to exercise caution and respect the inherent dangers of nature..
1. Diver fatalities at Dangar Falls on NSW north coast
2. Tragic incident at Dangar Falls on NSW north coast.
