<!–
<!–
<!– <!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
The partner of a young diver who drowned last month has been praised for her “boundless fighting spirit” after trying to save her boyfriend.
Cosi Palmer was spearfishing with Sam Hamilton when he drowned off the coast of Dawesville, Western Australia, on 24 March.
Mrs Palmer “fought like hell” to try to save her partner, performing CPR on him and taking him to shore in her kayak.
In a statement, he paid tribute to Hamilton, describing him as hard-working, strong and stubborn.
“He held his breath for too long and his body was pushed to the limit,” he said. Western Australia.
Cosi Palmer (pictured right) was spearfishing with Sam Hamilton (left) when she drowned off the coast of Dawesville.
Palmer recalled the way Hamilton used to ride the waves, pick it up with one hand and make everyone laugh, saying it was “the greatest gift” and that he will be missed by his family and friends.
Palmer has been credited with responding quickly after finding Hamilton floating face down in the water, unconscious and not breathing.
In the midst of shock, he activated his kayak’s radio beacon, called Triple-Zero, and pulled the seats off his kayak before hoisting it aboard.
Ms Palmer then performed CPR while receiving instructions from the emergency services operator before turning on an electric motor to bring the kayak closer to shore.
The Marine Rescue Mandurah crew met her and continued CPR before applying a defibrillator.
A paramedic came down from a helicopter to continue efforts, but there was no response.
Mandurah Marine Rescue Captain Jim Mitchell said giving continuous CPR would have been exhausting for Ms Palmer.
He said Mrs. Palmer did everything right and never gave up.
“I had been thinking about what I would say (to Cosi), in the presence of her and Sam’s family, since the scene of the incident,” he said.
“I told him, ‘You fought like hell to save him!’ And you never gave up.’
Ms Palmer recalled the way Hamilton used to ride the waves, pick it up with one hand and make everyone laugh, saying it was “the greatest gift” and that he will be missed by his family and friends.
“I felt I had to assure him of my boundless fighting spirit to save him, and also let the families know of his incredible courage, inner strength and clear thinking,” Mr Mitchell said.
Hamilton’s father, Andrew, said the family was “eternally grateful” for Palmer’s strength, determination and presence of mind.
In the wake of the tragedy, he said she was “truly amazing” and “absolutely dedicated herself to trying to save him.”
“Cosi, you are beautiful, brave and strong,” he wrote in a letter. Sam would be very proud of you.
