Inside the harrowing final moments of man who drowned at Pine Island- and the desperate attempts to save him
Shocked bystanders have 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 Pine Island in Canberra on Sunday when he dived into the Murrumbidgee River.
Despite the calm conditions, he encountered problems in the water and did not resurface.
Witnesses recalled hearing the young man scream “drowning” as he struggled to stay above the river’s surface.
A bystander recalled how a man who jumped into the water to try to save the people of Safari asked onlookers if anyone had a knife in case the 21-year-old needed to be freed.
She told me ABC that Mr Safari was underwater for about five minutes before emergency services swimmers were ordered to evacuate.
Police divers pulled Mr Safari’s body from the water two hours later.
His death has sent shockwaves through the Congolese-Kenyan community in Canberra.
Jonas Safari, 21, was heard shouting ‘drowning’ before passing in an ACT waterway on Sunday as his family struggled with their second loss
The tragedy occurred 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 grief that we have lost one of our young people in the Canberra community after a tragic drowning on 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. Pray for the family and friends who were there with Jonas.”
“There will be daily prayers and personal visits to their homes for support.”
Family members also left touching tributes to the young man.
Jonas’ body was pulled from the water two hours later by police divers on Pine Island
“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 by the family’s loss.
“I am so sorry for the tragedy that happened to Papa Safari again. May Jehovah God comfort you,” one woman wrote.
A memorial service will take place on January 10.
Community leaders founded one GoFundMe to support Mr Safari’s family, including his four younger siblings, who have raised more than €2,000.
Police are not treating Mr Safari’s death as suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.
It is the second drowning in ACT waters this year, after a 23-year-old man died in the Murrumbidgee River in February.
Mr Safari was one of 33 drownings across Australia in December alone, during what was a horror start to the summer.
The tragedy has prompted warnings from authorities for swimmers to take precautions before entering the water.
“Even on hot summer days the water can be very cold, and it 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 make sure you have an idea of your swimming ability.’