Tourist tragedy at Albany beach

A 54-year-old English tourist has drowned at Little Beach 35km east of Albany today.

The deceased man was swimming with his partner at the scenic beach in Two Peoples Bay National Park when he became distressed and drowned.

He was brought to shore by a group of witnesses and pronounced deceased on police officer’s arrival at the scene.

Albany Sea Rescue was called to the scene but was turned down at Gull Rock after the man was reported deceased by police.

Alert calls initially went to the Department of Environment and Conservation, who notified police of the incident just before 1pm.

Conditions were rough, with consistent swell and a strong easterly blowing directly onshore at the beach, which is a popular tourist destination.

The British Consulate-General in Perth has been advised of the man’s death but won’t release any more information until the man’s family has been notified.

Acting Albany officer-in-charge Sergeant Danny Richmond said circumstances of the drowning were not suspicious but police would continue enquiries and prepare a report for the State Coroner.