Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Campers body found at Qld’s Devil’s Pool
Police have found the body of a missing man who disappeared in a notorious far north Queensland swimming hole known as Devil’s Pool.
October 21, 2020
The body of a missing camper who disappeared in a notorious Queensland swimming hole known as Devil’s Pool has been found.
The missing Brisbane man, 37, failed to resurface at Babinda Boulders, near Cairns, while swimming with a friend on Monday evening.
Police divers located his body in the water at 10.15am on Wednesday, Acting Inspector Brett Jenkins told reporters.
“The area was about 200 metres upstream from the area commonly referred to as Devil’s Pool,” he said.
“It’s a tragedy. It is such a beautiful place.
“That whole area is notorious. It is extremely dangerous.”
Acting Inspector Jenkins said the pool was riddled with shoots and deep water currents that could “easily take even strong swimmers underneath”.
Emergency workers started searching for the man on Monday about 8.30pm.
They were joined by a swift-water rescue team, divers and a police helicopter on Tuesday.
“I know it looks inviting but it’s dangerous. There is a history in this area of people going missing in the water,” Acting Inspector Jenkins said.
“The Devil’s Pools are restricted for a reason. People have lost their lives.”
Acting Inspector Jenkins said 18 people had died in the area.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.