A FUNDRAISER has been launched to repatriate the bodies of the two men who drowned in the Never Never River near Bellingen on Sunday.
Launched on GoFundMe by Sunita Kalkal of Melton West in Victoria, the stated aim is to cover the cost of repatriation to India and funeral expenses, and to support family members – including their elderly parents.
Close to $100,000 of the $200,000 target has been raised.
The appeal reads: “With heavy hearts, we are raising funds after the tragic loss of Sachin and Sahil.”
“They were being responsible and cautious, stepping only into shallow water.
“In an unforeseeable moment, a strong current surged and swept them away.
“What should have been an innocent moment turned into an unthinkable tragedy.”
Emergency services were called to John Locke Place at Gleniffer, north of Bellingen, about 6:45pm on Sunday following reports of people struggling in the water.
Police were told three men, all believed to be aged in their 30’s, began to struggle soon after entering the river.
Two were pulled from the water but could not be revived.
The third man was taken to Coffs Harbour Health Campus in a stable condition while a pregnant woman, who was with the visiting group, was treated for shock.
The Mid North Coast’s third drowning over the long weekend occurred the following day, Australia Day, at South West Rocks.
Around 11am, members of the public pulled a man in his 80s from the surf at Trial Bay Beach.
Officers from the Mid North Coast Police District say they arrived to find the man unresponsive.
An investigation has commenced into the incident.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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