Tragedy as Brit dies as winds of up to 80mph batter coast

Tragedy struck as a British man and his friend died off the coast of Melbourne. The UK national's surfboard snapped in rough conditions, as strong winds of up to 80mph reportedly battered the area at around 5pm on Wednesday. As the Brit struggled, a 43-year-old friend jumped into the water to help, but both ended up in difficulty.

A police helicopter brought them back to the shore of Frankston Beach in Victoria, but both rescuees were unresponsive and could not be revived, according to reports. They have yet to be formally identified, with police thought to be attempting to locate their next of kin. Inspector Melissa Nixon said the British man had "minimal experience" and "may have only been learning how to surf".

"His friend obviously thought he was in distress and jumped into help him," she added during a press conference on Thursday.

"The weather conditions yesterday were obviously not appropriate to be in the water surfing, whether you're experienced or not.

"It is a risk that you take that you put other people in danger."

"Do not go swimming or surfing in conditions like this when we know that it's going to be treacherous conditions," Inspector Nixon warned.

"You put yourself at risk. You put people that jump in to help you at risk. You put the emergency services at risk."

A police tactical operator who helped to rescue both men also received hospital treatment for minor injuries following the incident.

In a statement, Frankston city mayor Kris Bolam described the deaths as "devastating" and "a sharp reminder of the power of nature and the real risk posed by severe weather".

"I ask everyone to stay safe, remain vigilant, and if in doubt, stay off the water and away from exposed coastal structures until conditions improve," he added.

It comes as wild weather continues to lash Australia's southeastern coast, with the Bureau of Meterology issuing a severe weather alert on Wednesday morning for strong winds and trees knocked down across the state, injuring locals and causing traffic chaos.