Fresh details revealed in double drowning horror at Frankston Beach, Victoria

Two men who drowned in rough waters off Melbourne’s southeast as wild weather smashed the country’s east have been identified.

A British national, aged 36, had been surfing at Frankston Beach when his board snapped in the rough waves, police say.

“Another man, known to the surfer, jumped into the water to attempt to help him, however both men began to struggle,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“Air Wing came to assist and both men were winched back to shore but could not be revived.”

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Detective Inspector Melissa Nixon said the British man was an inexperienced surfer.

“He (the surfer) wasn’t experienced at surfing, he had minimal experience,” Inspector Nixon said.

“His friend obviously thought he was in distress and jumped in to help him.”

Both men are believed to have resided in Frankston.

Police are working to notify the pair’s next-of-kin.

Bystanders called emergency services to Frankston Beach about 5pm.

Dangerous weather conditions swept across Melbourne that day, with winds hitting more than 70km/h.

The winds triggered severe surf conditions across the city’s beaches.

An Air Wing tactical flight officer suffered minor injuries in the rescue.

Paramedics took him to hospital and he has since been released.

Inspector Nixon said the weather conditions were “obviously not appropriate” to be in the water surfing, regardless of experience.

“Clearly do not go swimming or surfing in condiitons like this when we know it’s going to be treacherous conditions,” she said.

“You put yourself at risk, you put the people who jump in to help you at risk, (and) you put the emergency services at risk.”

Police will prepare reports for the coroner following the deaths of the two men.

Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam said the “devastating event” served as a “sharp reminder” of the risks posed by extreme weather.

“The Bureau of Meteorology and other authorities have issued warnings of strong gusts, rough seas and dangerous conditions along our coast and foreshore this week,” he said in a statement posted to social media.

“We urge everyone in our community – residents, visitors, fishers, walkers and beachgoers – to heed these warnings.”

He also said the council would enhance beach safety measures moving forward.

“Over the upcoming summer season, we will be enhancing our patrols along the beach, pier and foreshore precincts, including additional lifeguard hours, increased signage around hazardous conditions and clear communication when access should be restricted,” he said.

“Our aim is always to keep people safe, especially when conditions change rapidly.”