The couple’s beloved dog tragically dies after being sucked into a rip at a popular beach
- Dog was killed in cracks at 11 Mile Beach, WA
- Owner Georgia Crook said the dog was trapped in the reef
A shattered couple who lost their beloved dog to a dangerous rip at a popular beach have called for proper warning signs to be put up.
Georgia Crook, was swimming at 11 Mile Beach in Esperance, southern Western Australia, last Saturday with her partner Ash Bowman and their two dogs.
All four were enjoying a seemingly perfect day at the beach before their Australian Shepherd was suddenly sucked into a hole in the nearby reef.
Within seconds, the three-year-old dog was dragged into the rip.
The pair searched the area and dived underwater to find Mushu, but his body tragically never surfaced again.
Dog owner Georgia Crook (pictured right), lost her dog Mushu (pictured) after a tear dragged the Australian Shepherd into a hole in a reef off 11 Mile Beach in Esperance last Saturday
“It all happened in about two seconds and before our very eyes,” Ms Crook said 7News.
“I knew right away he was gone and we couldn’t get him back. He was helpless.
“It was so heartbreaking.”
Her partner immediately tried to jump into the hole and shouted to Mushu, but it was too late.
The couple turned to a Facebook group to ask if Mushu had been found by anyone else nearby.
It was then that they learned that numerous other dogs had been killed at the same location.
‘I’m sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time this has happened. It’s really dangerous,” one user wrote.
“I worry about anyone swimming near these spots. It should be covered with mesh and signposted,” another wrote.
‘I’m sorry to hear this. I lost my dog in the same place many years ago,” said one pet owner.
A spokesman for the Shire of Esperance said they are prioritizing the update of the security signage after it was revealed that Mushu is one of several dogs killed there
Ms Crook said she was concerned about children getting into the crack.
The Shire of Esperance council said they are taking steps to prioritize updating signage on water safety.
“The Shire has no control over this beach, which is why the safety signs we provide are posted at the access points,” a spokesman said.
‘We can confirm that Shire officers have already worked with Surf Life Saving WA, who have carried out a coastal risk assessment and advised on updated signage.
“Coastal hazard signage on the Esperance tourist loop and in urban areas will be updated as a matter of priority.”
