Women washed from rocks identified
The two women who died after they were hit by a “freak wave” and swept into the sea at a popular Sydney beach have been named.
The Sydney Malayalee Community paid tribute to Nirsha Haris, 38, and Marwa Hashim, 35, on Tuesday afternoon following the tragedy at Cape Solander at Kurnell in Sydney’s south.
“Sydney Malayalee Community is saddened by the horrific and sudden death of two of our members Marwa Hashim and Nirsha Haris,” the community group wrote on social media.
“Sydney Malayalee Association offer our heartfelt condolence to the bereaved families.”
Ms Haris and Ms Hashim died after they were swept off the rocks at the beach while reportedly picnicking with friends.
Emergency services rushed to Cape Solander about 4.30pm on Monday following reports three women had disappeared off the edge of the rock face into the ocean.
The three women were reportedly walking along the rock platform when a “freak wave” hit them and swept them into the sea.
NSW Police said one woman managed to leave the water and climb onto the rocks before she was helped by members of the public.
A major search was launched for Ms Haris and Ms Hashim.
A bystander told NewsWire that people were watching for whales when onlookers with binoculars were asked by Parks and Wildlife rangers to watch out for the women.
It is understood three rescue helicopters were searching for the duo before NSW Ambulance vans arrived.
NSW Police said the women were eventually located with assistance from PolAir helicopters and pulled from the water unconscious.
They were taken to shore where emergency crews conducted CPR, but they were unable to be revived.
It is understood the woman who survived has minor injuries. It is understood she was treated for hypothermia at St George Hospital.
Bystanders who helped with the rescue also had to be treated by paramedics at the scene for hypothermia.
Police have established a crime scene and are commencing an investigation into the incident.
NSW Police Superintendent Joe McNulty, speaking with Nine’s Today program, advised beachgoers to always pay attention to the sea when walking on the rocks.
“Never turn your back on the sea, no matter what activity you’re doing,” he said.
“It’s the golden rule. Don’t turn your back on the ocean.”
No suspicious circumstances have been identified at this time, NSW Police have said.
The rockface is a popular among rockfishers, with two men killed after they were washed off the rocks in the same area just weeks ago.
Their bodies were pulled from the water a short time later and they were unable to be revived.
