A family holiday to Australia has ended in tragedy after a Welsh father and his teenage son drowned while swimming near the Great Barrier Reef.
Robin Reed, 46, and his 17-year-old son, Owen, both from Caerphilly County in South Wales, lost their lives on 13 April while swimming off the coast of Seventeen Seventy, a popular tourist spot in Queensland known for its scenic coastline and close proximity to the world-famous reef.
The pair were caught in difficulty at an unguarded beach. A third man, an Australian national, also encountered trouble in the water. He was rescued and airlifted to the hospital with serious head injuries. His current condition remains unclear.
Emergency services, including a police helicopter, were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Tragically, both Robin and Owen were pulled from the water but could not be saved.
Queensland authorities have not yet confirmed the circumstances that led to the fatal incident. The Coroner’s Court of Queensland stated to the BBC that the deaths have been officially reported and a coronial investigation is now underway.
The area, although idyllic, has drawn criticism in the past for lacking lifeguard patrols on certain stretches of its beaches. Back home in Wales, the devastating news has rocked the local community.
Treowen Stars FC, a football club based in Newbridge, Caerphilly, paid tribute to the father and son in a heartfelt Facebook post: “Awful, awful news about Robin Reed and his son Owen. Our thoughts and deepest condolences with Robin and Owen’s family and friends. Robin was a good friend to many at Treowen and will be missed. Rest in peace both.”
The football club is just one of many expressing shock and sorrow following the loss. Friends, neighbours, and residents across Caerphilly have echoed sentiments of grief and support for the bereaved family.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of swimming in unmonitored waters, even in areas renowned for their natural beauty. Travellers are urged to heed local safety advice and swim only in patrolled zones, particularly when visiting remote or unfamiliar coastlines.
Robin and Owen Reed’s deaths have left a community heartbroken and a family shattered. As investigations continue, friends and loved ones cling to memories of a father and son who were clearly loved and admired. Their passing, amidst the backdrop of paradise, is a poignant reminder that danger can exist even in the most serene of settings.
