Heavy Water in Australia Kills Scottish Surfer and Friend Who Tried to Rescue Him

Dangerous sea conditions claimed two lives in Victoria, Australia last month. The victims of the tragedy were a surfer who found himself overwhelmed by rough water after his board broke, and his friend who jumped in to rescue him.

Calum Ian McCombie, 36, of Scotland, was surfing at Frankston Beach, 28 miles southeast of Melbourne, Australia, on October 22. That day, Victoria was experiencing extreme weather, with winds reaching up to 80 mph. As The Sun reports, McCombie found himself overwhelmed by rough waters after his board snapped. His friend Nicho Muggleton, 43, who had been watching from nearby Frankston pier, rushed to his aid, but also found himself similarly overwhelmed by the powerful surf.

A witness called emergency services, who were on the scene within minutes, along with a police helicopter. Though rescuers were able to winch the pair out of the ocean, they were unable to revive either man.

According to a fundraiser started in his honor, McCombie had lived in Australia for 14 years, was an avid skateboarder and had been surfing for two years.

“Calum was a beautiful person,” wrote the organizers. “Everyone who was lucky enough to meet Calum loved him.”

Muggleton’s cousin, Harriet, told a publication called The Age that his act of bravery in attempting to save McCombie was very much in character for the lifelong surfer and Frankston local. “There would have been no question, no doubt in his mind of jumping into that water to save his mate,” she said.

“This devastating event is a sharp reminder of the power of nature and the real risk posed by severe weather,” said Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam. “On behalf of the entire Frankston City community, I extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones.”