UPDATE Wednesday 9.30am:
POLICE have confirmed a 46-year-old man died at Frenchman’s Beach at North Stradbroke on New Year’s Day.
It is understood the man was from Mount Gravatt East.
Frenchman’s Beach is not patrolled and is notorious for strong currents.
A Surf Life Saving Queensland spokesperson said the man was pulled from the water in an “unresponsive condition” by volunteer surf life savers.
He was treated by the surf life savers before he was handed over to Queensland Ambulance Service, the spokesperson said.
A Queensland Ambulance Services spokesperson said resuscitation attempts were made, including by staff on a rescue helicopter sent to the island to help the man.
No transport to hospital was required.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said police were preparing a report for the coroner.
The incident was reported to emergency services as a near drowning at 12.30pm on January 1.
EARLIER Tuesday 2.30pm:
A MAN has been pulled out of the water unconscious at Frenchman’s Beach earlier today.
The incident was reported to emergency services as a near drowning about 12.30pm on January 1.
A Queensland Ambulance Services spokesperson said resuscitation attempts were made, including by staff on a rescue helicopter sent to the island.
A Surf Life Saving Queensland spokesperson said volunteer surf lifesavers treated the man before he was handed over to Queensland Ambulance Service in a critical condition.
The spokesperson said Frenchman’s Beach was not patrolled. The beach is known for its strong currents.
“The area between Frenchmans Beach and Point Lookout Headland was identified by SLSQ as a 2018/19 coastal blackspot,” the spokesperson said.
“The incident serves as a timely reminder to always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.”
More to come.
