Radio Brisvaani
The Indian families from Sydney and Brisbane were spending their Christmas holidays at Coffs Harbour where two men drowned and the third member, feared drowned, is still missing.
The Indian community in Australia is mourning the death of two men, originally from Hyderabad, India, who drowned after they got into trouble in the water at an unpatrolled beach near Coffs Harbour on Monday evening.
The Indian families from Sydney and Brisbane were spending their holidays at Coffs Harbour and were visiting the scenic Moonee Beach, 23 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour in New South Wales when members of the family got into difficulties in the surf at about 6 pm on Monday evening.
45-year-old Mohammad Ghouseuddin and 35-year-old Syed Rahath, both from Auburn in Sydney were pulled from the surf but were unable to be revived.
Two girls, aged 15 and 17, and a 15-year-old boy were rescued; however, a third man, 28-year-old Mohammad Abdul Junaid, feared drowned, has still not be found.
A search operation is underway by officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District, Marine Area Command, the police air wing, PolAir, and local volunteers from the Surf Lifesaving Association and Marine Rescue.
Members of the Indian Muslim Association of Australia have rushed to Moonee Beach where the rescue operation is underway.
“This is an unfortunate and horrific tragedy for the Indian community,” Mr Syed Siraj Patel, of the Indian Muslim Association of Australia (IMAA) told SBS Hindi.
“It was like a reunion for them. The families from Sydney and Brisbane had come together to spend holidays together. They had rented a place and were visiting the nearby beach when the tragedy occurred.
“We at IMAA would like to send condolences to the deceased family members and friends.
“This is the second tragedy in two months and the Indian community is currently in shock.
“We appeal to the new migrants, students and people who are new to Australia that Australian beaches are the most beautiful in the world but if you don’t follow the beach instructions then it can be dangerous and fatal too.
“Make sure you go to patrolled beaches and swim between flags. If you don’t know swimming or are new to the beach then please let lifeguards and lifesavers know,” he said.
The community has organised prayers for the deceased family on Wednesday evening at the Lakemba Uniting Church.
https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/hindi/en/article/2018/12/18/horrific-tragedy-community-mourns-tragic-drowning-indian-group-near-coffs-harbour
