A New Zealand surfer is feared dead after disappearing into the water off Australia’s west coast as search teams continue to desperately scan the ocean.
Aaron Beveridge, 47, was surfing at Main Break off Surfers Point in Prevelly, 275 kilometers south of Perth, in big wave conditions on Friday afternoon.
It is understood Mr Beveridge became trapped on Surgeon’s Table, an underground reef known to cause dangerous surfing accidents.
Beveridge was one of several big wave surfers on the water who used longboards equipped with long ropes for the extreme conditions.
However, witnesses reported seeing Mr Beveridge’s surfboard in the “tombstone” position shortly before his leg rope broke.
Aaron Beveridge (pictured) is believed to have lost his life in stormy conditions on Friday.
Beveridge (pictured) was surfing at Main Break off Surfers Point in Prevelly when he disappeared
The father of three has not been seen since.
Beveridge was a regular big wave surfer and was trained in specialized breathing techniques for emergency situations, but it is believed the ocean pressure was too strong for him to resurface.
A full sea search launched to find the 47-year-old man had to be suspended due to bad weather but was expected to resume on Monday afternoon.
Tributes to Mr Beveridge have been shared online by a number of friends and family following his alleged death, including his parents.
“A mother’s worst nightmare this weekend,” wrote her mother, Cheryl Wilson.
‘My son Aaron James Beveridge was tragically swept out to sea while pursuing his passion for surfing in Margaret River, Western Australia.
I can’t understand what’s happening. Difficult to process.
‘Rest in peace Aaron. You were so loved by so many absolutely devastated people.’
The father, Don Beveridge, said Mr Beveridge would be remembered as a “son, brother, father and friend”.
“Aaron went surfing at his favorite spot in Margaret River,” he said.
‘Unfortunately he never returned. “Words cannot express the loss we are all feeling right now.”
A full sea search launched to find Mr Beveridge (pictured) had to be suspended due to bad weather but is expected to resume on Monday afternoon.
Other loved ones described Mr Beveridge as a “great lad” with a calm presence who was always willing to help his teammates, whether on the water or in his personal life.
“Rest in peace, Aaron Beveridge. Every time I went to the Margaret River region, I usually saw you at the beach or the skate park,” one person wrote.
“The city won’t be the same without your car and your awesome dog parked in the parking lot while you surf.”
