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'Extremely dangerous': Body of Brisbane man found at deadly swimming hole

The body of a missing camper who disappeared in a notorious Queensland swimming hole known as Devil's Pool has been found.

The missing Brisbane man, identified as 37-year-old Shanon Hoffman, failed to resurface at Babinda Boulders, near Cairns, while swimming with a friend on Monday evening.

The pair had been swimming in a restricted area.

Police divers located Mr Hoffman’s body in the water at 10.15am on Wednesday, Acting Inspector Brett Jenkins told reporters.

A Facebook photo of Brisbane man Shanon Hoffman.
Brisbane man Shanon Hoffman died while swimming at Devil's Pool on Tuesday. Source: Facebook

"The area was about 200 metres upstream from the area commonly referred to as Devil's Pool," he said.

"It's a tragedy. It is such a beautiful place.

"That whole area is notorious. It is extremely dangerous."

Acting Inspector Jenkins said the pool was riddled with shoots and deep water currents that could "easily take even strong swimmers underneath".

Emergency workers started searching for the man on Monday about 8.30pm.

They were joined by a swift-water rescue team, divers and a police helicopter on Tuesday.

"I know it looks inviting but it's dangerous. There is a history in this area of people going missing in the water," Acting Inspector Jenkins said.

Devil's Pool or Babinda Boulders is a natural pool at the confluence of three streams among a group of boulders near Babinda, Queensland, Australia. The pools have taken 17 lives since 1959. Despite that, this place is an iconic Cairns attraction and popular swimming hole and tourist attraction south of Cairns. It is a classic example of the fast flowing tropical creeks in the area that are perfect for afternoon dips in the cool water to combat the tropical heat. The creek is lined with huge boulders and the clear fresh water weaves between the obstacles to fill large pools where people can swim. Just behind The Boulders is Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland's tallest mountain, from which Babinda Creek's cool water originates. The section of the creek where the water rushes over massive granite boulders, smoothing and shaping them, is referred to as The Babinda Boulders.
Devil's Pool, or Babinda Boulders, is a dangerous spot for swimmers. Police estimate 18 people have died here in the past 60 years. Source: Getty/File

"The Devil's Pools are restricted for a reason. People have lost their lives."

Acting Inspector Jenkins said 18 people had died in the area.

Mr Hoffman’s family was notified of the tragic news on Wednesday morning.

"Whilst they were prepared for the worst, this has still come at a incredible amount of pain and it's very traumatic for the family,” Acting Inspector Jenkins said.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Earlier this year, an 18-year-old woman died after she failed to resurface in the pool.

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