Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Tragic New Year: Four Drown in Australian Beaches

1/1/2026

36 3

Summary

Story summary

An Irish man died at Whitehaven Beach near the Great Barrier Reef during the New Year period in Australia.
Three others drowned, including a 25-year-old woman swept off Maroubra Beach and a 45-year-old woman who struggled at Dunbogan Beach.
A search continues for a missing swimmer at Coogee Beach amid hazardous surf.
Steven Pearce of Surf Life Saving NSW calls the last 24 hours horrific for drownings.

1 of 1

Story summary

An Irish man died at Whitehaven Beach near the Great Barrier Reef during the New Year period in Australia.
Three others drowned, including a 25-year-old woman swept off Maroubra Beach and a 45-year-old woman who struggled at Dunbogan Beach.
A search continues for a missing swimmer at Coogee Beach amid hazardous surf.
Steven Pearce of Surf Life Saving NSW calls the last 24 hours horrific for drownings.