Wife's tribute as details emerge of man's drowning while checking drumlines
The wife of a man who died while checking shark drumlines has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her husband.
It is thought shark control contractor Billy Frost, 29, drowned after becoming caught in ropes during an early morning check of drumlines off the coast of North Stradbroke Island in Queensland.
Mr Frost, who was from Amity Point on the island’s northern tip, had recently started working off the coast.
An investigation has been launched into his death, which happened on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old man’s distraught wife, Fiona, shared an emotional tribute to her husband.
“Billy had the biggest heart,” she said.
“He had the ability to make the people he loved truly comfortable to be themselves and know that they could wholeheartedly be happy.
“He had an infectious smile, laugh and personality that just filled you to the brim.
“He loved his rugby league, the Parramatta Eels, the ocean and being outdoors.
“He was always up for a beer and the first person there when you needed anything.
“He’s going to be missed by so many people because he made such an impact in his short life.”
Full investigation into death
Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said Mr Frost’s death was “a tragedy on so many levels”.
“Of course our thoughts are with him, his family and his friends, there’ll be a full investigation into this matter,” Mr Ryan said.
Mr Frost was working solo in the South Passage Bar when it was believed he became caught on a rope and pulled under.
When he did not return home his family went searching, and found his boat and body.
“If you have someone dear to you hold them a little tighter and hold them a little closer as you never know when you won’t be able to again,” Fiona wrote online on Wednesday.
Mr Frost was a contractor working for the government to regularly check the island’s 32 baited lines designed to keep large sharks away from popular beaches.
“My heart goes out to the young man’s family in the wake of this tragedy,” Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said on Wednesday.
“I expect Water Police, the Coroner, the Australian Marine Safety Authority and Work Safe Queensland will investigate.”
Maritime safety officers arrived on the island on Wednesday morning and would now lead the investigation.
One element of it will be determining if the right safety precautions were in place on board the boat.
There is currently no restrictions on contractors working alone while checking lines, something likely to now be reviewed.