Police have suspended their search operation for the third member swept out to sea north of Coffs Harbour earlier on Monday.
45-year-old Mohammad Ghouseuddin and 35-year-old Syed Rahath, both from Auburn in Sydney drowned at the Moonee Beach, 23 kilometres north of Coffs Habour on Monday evening after going into the water at the unpatrolled beach to help their family members who got into difficulty in the surf.
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.
The group was holidaying on the mid-north coast and were visiting the beach when the tragedy occurred.
While the community mourns the death of the men, the police have suspended their search operation for Junaid.
Officers from the Coffs/Clarence Police District and Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue volunteers, and crews with the Westpac and Polair helicopters had been searching since the man went missing about 6pm on Monday.
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. Source: Nine Network
A search operation continued on Tuesday until it was suspended due to fading light.
The search resumed at 7 am on Wednesday but was suspended about midday.
“Foot patrols of the coast will continue in routine taskings,” the police said in a statement.
Members of the Indian Muslim Association of Australia have rushed to Moonee Beach to be with the family who hails from Sydney and Brisbane.
While the community mourns the death of the men, the police have suspended their search operation for Junaid. Source: Supplied
“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.
