Seven people have been confirmed dead after massive waves struck parts of New South Wales and Victoria at the start of the Easter weekend. A nine-year-old boy who became trapped between rocks at a New South Wales beach on Sunday has become the seventh victim. Most of the deaths occurred when strong swells swept people off rocks and into the ocean. Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving New South Wales, told ABC News it was the "worst" spate of drownings on record for the Easter long weekend. "It has just been horrendous on a weekend that's supposed to be joyous and religious," Pearce told t

Seven people have been confirmed dead after massive waves struck parts of New South Wales and Victoria at the start of the Easter weekend. A nine-year-old boy who became trapped between rocks at a New South Wales beach on Sunday has become the seventh victim. Most of the deaths occurred when strong swells swept people off rocks and into the ocean. Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving New South Wales, told ABC News it was the "worst" spate of drownings on record for the Easter long weekend. "It has just been horrendous on a weekend that's supposed to be joyous and religious," Pearce told the Sydney Morning Herald. Emergency crews retrieved the boy from South West Rocks, about 400 kilometres north of Sydney, but he died at the scene. Earlier on Sunday, a helicopter spotted a father and son floating in the water near Wattamolla Beach, south of Sydney. The 14-year-old boy was resuscitated, but his father was later pronounced dead. Although weather conditions are expected to improve on Monday, authorities have urged those visiting the coast to remain cautious. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. "Please, everyone, be careful. Families in particular, watch over your kids," he said. Two people remain missing. According to Royal Life Saving Australia, 323 people drowned across the country in the year leading up to June 2024.

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