A tragic incident occurred at Punch Bowl Rocks beach in San Remo, Gippsland, where a woman drowned and a man is missing after being swept off the rocks on April 18, 2025.

The Air Wing conducted a search and located one of the women unresponsive; despite efforts to revive her, she could not be saved.

While one woman managed to swim back to shore, the second woman and the man remain unaccounted for.

Search efforts for the missing man are ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the dangers of water during the holiday period.

This incident follows another tragic event on the same day, where a 58-year-old man died after being swept into the water while fishing at Wollongong harbour.

In light of these events, Life Saving Victoria had issued a warning the day prior, highlighting that drowning rates double on public holidays.

Statistics from Royal Life Saving Australia indicate that 118 Australians have drowned during the Easter period over the last two decades.

Reports regarding both fatalities will be submitted to the coroner for further investigation.

Punch Bowl Rocks beach is known for its high bluffs, reefs, and rocks, making it a particularly hazardous area for beachgoers.

Authorities continue to remind the public to exercise caution around water during the long weekend.

Emergency services were alerted early that morning to reports of three individuals being washed into the water, approximately 125 kilometers southeast of Melbourne.

Police arrived at the scene around 8:30 AM, where two women and a man had been swept off the rocks.