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Urgent search underway as swimmers disappear without trace at a popular swimming hole after torrential rain makes it a treacherous hazard
- The two swimmers were in Mossman Gorge when they were swept away.
- The popular spot is believed to have been affected by recent rains in the area.
- Several teams from the emergency services are on the scene looking for the bathers.
Two swimmers have gone missing after it was feared they had been washed away by a flash flood at a popular swimming spot in far north Queensland.
Emergency services are frantically searching for the swimmers, who had been taking a dip in Mossman Gorge, 20km north of Port Douglas.
The popular swimming spot is believed to have been affected by recent rains which raised water levels and may have been hit by a flash flood.
Emergency services are frantically searching for the swimmers, who had been taking a dip in Mossman Gorge, 20km north of Port Douglas.
On Friday afternoon, a Queensland ambulance representative said a road ambulance was at the scene.
“The rescue helicopter is on the scene and has an intensive care paramedic on board,” he said.
‘Two people have been reported missing just before 2pm in the water.
‘They called us at 13:54’.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services representative said the Swiftwater Rescue Unit was in Mossman Gorge.
The unit is both upstream and downstream and there are six fire crews on site.
SES Far North Regional Director Wayne Coutts said staff and volunteers were part of the search for the missing swimmers.
“We have members from Cairns North searching along the banks of the Mossman Gorge,” he said.
On Friday afternoon, a Queensland ambulance representative said a road ambulance was at the scene.
A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed that officers were at the scene.
“We are looking for two people dragged away,” he said.
“We have search coordinators there and SES is bringing in a drone team to help with the search.
“Since this location is a commercial entity, workplace health and safety has been reported, we are taking this very seriously.”