Shocked viewers recalled a young man’s desperate plea for help before he drowned at a popular swimming spot.
Jonas Safari, 21, was enjoying an afternoon with family and friends on Canberra’s Pine Island on Sunday when he plunged into the Murrumbidgee River.
Despite the calm conditions, he had trouble in the water and was unable to surface.
Witnesses recalled hearing the young man scream “drowning” as he struggled to stay above the surface of the river.
A passerby recalled how a man who jumped into the water to try to save Mr Safari asked those present if anyone had a knife in case the 21-year-old needed to be freed.
she told him alphabet that Safari was underwater for about five minutes before emergency services ordered swimmers to evacuate.
Police divers pulled Mr Safari’s body from the water two hours later.
His death has shocked the Congolese-Kenyan community in Canberra.
Jonas Safari, 21, was heard screaming “drowning” before he died on Sunday on an ACT channel, as his family deals with their second loss.
The tragedy unfolded on Pine Island, a popular swimming spot in Canberra.
Mr Safari had lived in Canberra with his mother and four younger siblings for almost five years.
“It is with great sadness and regret that we have lost one of our young people in the Canberra community after a tragic drowning at Pines Island on (Sunday) while swimming with other young people,” a community leader wrote.
‘The family and community are still coming to terms with this traumatic incident. Please pray for the family and friends who were there with Jonas.’
“There will be daily prayers and personal visits to your home for support.”
Relatives also left moving tributes for the young man.
Jonas’ body was recovered from the water by police divers on Pine Island two hours later.
“Rest in eternal peace, young brother Jonas,” Akon Safari wrote on social media.
“I know you are in a better place in paradise with your brother Moses.”
Others were heartbroken over the loss of family.
‘I am very sorry for the tragedy that happened to Papa Safari again. May Jehovah God comfort you,’ wrote one woman.
A memorial service will be held on January 10.
Community leaders established a GoFundMe to support Mr. Safari’s family, including his four younger brothers, who have raised more than 2,000 people.
Police are not treating Mr Safari’s death as suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.
It is the second drowning death in ACT waters this year after a man, aged 23, died in the Murrumbidgee River in February.
Mr Safari was one of 33 drowned in Australia in December alone in what has been a horror start to the summer.
The tragedy has caused authorities to warn swimmers to take precautions before entering the water.
“Even on hot summer days the water can be very cold and can also cause fatigue and cramps without warning,” ACT Acting Detective Inspector Alex Chapman said.
“Supervise your children and always check water conditions, including depth, before diving in, and also have an idea of their swimming ability.”