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Esperance sea search suspended days after Perth man washed off rocks

Daryna ZadvirnaThe West Australian
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Onlookers at Salmon Beach, where a Perth man washed off rocks on Wednesday.
Camera IconOnlookers at Salmon Beach, where a Perth man washed off rocks on Wednesday.

The marine search for a 32-year-old man washed off the rocks in Esperance has been officially suspended pending any new information.

A massive search operation was launched at Salmon Beach at about 2.40pm on Wednesday after reports of a member of the public being washed into the ocean.

Police said the man was holiday in the area with his partner and it is understood they had only been in Esperance for a day at the time of the incident.

The couple were taking photos on the rocks, when he slipped and was washed into the ocean by a large wave.

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A witness— who did not want to be named — said she saw the man’s partner sitting on the beach “cut and bruised” being comforted by police.

“She was wrapped in a blanket and badly cut on her legs,” the woman told The West Australian.

“It’s so tragic ... the water that day was ferocious — the search boats were disappearing in the big waves.

“The waters here are breathtakingly beautiful but they are so dangerous.”

Water Police Officer in charge Senior Sergeant Gavin Radice yesterday gave a warning to people planning to out on the water in WA.

“So far in the regions … there has been a notable increase in marine searches and incidents,” he said.

“I would expect now that Perth is heading into warmer months that these incidents will increase.

“It is critical when you’re planning a holiday to research and become aware of potential risks.

“Whether it’s hidden rips, currents, unpredictable waves — people are being caught unaware and have found themselves in serious trouble.”

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