Woman Drowns After Wave Strikes Her While Rock Fishing on South Coast

A 25-year-old woman died after being struck by a wave while rock fishing at North Durras Beach on the South Coast, according to police. Emergency services were called at about 6 p.m. on Saturday, 17 October 2026, after reports that two people were in the water. A 39-year-old man and the woman were fishing at the location when a wave hit her, knocking her into the surf. The man entered the water to retrieve her but was unable to do so and was pushed back to shore. A passing vessel located the woman and recovered her; CPR was attempted by the crew and returned responders, but she could not be revived and died at the scene. Neither person was wearing safety equipment.