An off-duty policewoman tragically drowned in a horror diving accident at a popular beach.
The police officer in her 40s got into difficulty while in the water at Trigg Beach, northwest of Perth, on Tuesday.
Emergency services, including water police, surf lifeguards and an RAC rescue helicopter, were called to the scene after beachgoers raised the alarm that a diver was in danger.
The woman was pulled from the water before paramedics administered first aid, but despite their efforts they were unable to save her.
WA Police confirmed in a statement that the woman was a police officer who was not on duty at the time.
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that the diver is a sworn member (Constable First Class) of the WA Police Force, who was off duty at the time,” the statement read.
‘Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to his family and colleagues.
“Dealing with life-or-death situations is a daily reality for first responders, but incidents involving one of our own are especially difficult for our officers.”
Emergency services, including police and surf lifeguards, were called to the scene after the alarm was raised that the woman was in danger (pictured police and beach visitors at the scene).
His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Dozens of police officers, detectives and members of the water police remained at the scene hours after the incident.
The entrance to nearby Mettams Pool, a popular family pool, had been cordoned off.
Some officers were seen surveying the scene as they walked along the beach while dozens of police and ambulances lined the street.
A tradesman who works at a nearby construction site told the Western Australia He saw two people, including the woman, enter the water earlier.
The man told the newspaper that police arrived at the scene 30 minutes later.
Scuba diving equipment was also seen in the sand.
WA Police confirmed in a statement that the woman was a police officer who was off duty at the time (pictured, water police and a police officer at Trigg Beach in Perth on Tuesday).
WA Police said its Health, Welfare and Safety Division will provide support and assistance to officers affected by the incident.
Trigg Beach is a popular surfing spot with visitors and many people also frequent the area for swimming and snorkelling.
Visitors can also go diving at the nearby Marmion Marine Park, which offers divers spectacular views of underwater creatures.
