A 29-year-old man has drowned to death after he went for swimming with a group of friends in Moore River on Monday evening.
The incident occurred near the small coastal town of Guilderton in Perth’s north.
The man reported to be an Indian national was swimming near a pontoon at about 7.30pm on Monday when he disappeared.
A witness told 9 News the drowning man attempted to grab onto a friend to keep himself afloat.
“He’s tried to grab a hold of her, taking her under with him and she had to save herself as well,” Steve Kruger, who tried to rescue the 29-year-old, said.
Police and Lancelin Volunteer Marine Rescue launched an immediate search in the river.
The body was found at around 10.30pm after three hours of search.
Lancelin Police sergeant Steve McCrae urged people to be careful in the water.
“This terrible tragedy is a timely reminder to our communities to be extra diligent around water, whether swimming at a river, beach, pool or other water body,” he said.
Police said the incident is now a matter for a coronial investigation.
