Sophie Brunskill dies after wave sweeps her off rocks while fishing
A 25-year-old woman from Wagga Wagga drowned after a wave swept her off rocks during her first rock fishing attempt.
Sophie Brunskill, 25, from Wagga Wagga, travelled to North Durras Beach on the NSW South Coast for a weekend away. On Saturday evening, 17 October, she went rock fishing for the first time with her partner.
A wave knocked her into the surf and washed her out to sea. Sophie's partner immediately jumped in to try to save her, but the conditions pushed him back to shore.
A passing boat located her and pulled her from the water. The crew performed CPR, but she could not be revived.
Police said neither person was wearing safety equipment. Her childhood best friend said Sophie was a country girl more familiar with rivers than ocean conditions.
- Sophie Brunskill, 25, from Wagga Wagga
- Victim
- North Durras Beach, NSW South Coast
- Location
- Saturday, 17 October, about 6pm
- Date and time
- 39 years old
- Partner's age
Why it mattersThe tragedy underscores how rapidly ocean conditions can kill, even with a rescuer present.
AustraliaAustralian beach-goers need to know the dangers of rock fishing without safety gear in unpredictable waters.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 h ago
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