A young man’s afternoon swim at a popular water hole near Dungog has ended in tragedy, with police now investigating the circumstances of his death.
Emergency services rushed to Ladies Well at Upper Allyn—around 48km northwest of Dungog—just before 4 PM on Sunday, after receiving reports of a swimmer in distress. Witnesses say the man disappeared beneath the water, sparking desperate attempts to locate him.
Despite the efforts of NSW Ambulance paramedics, Police Divers, and the Police Rescue team, the man’s body was recovered from the water a short time later. Authorities have yet to formally identify him, but he is believed to be in his 20s.
Police have now established a crime scene as they work to determine exactly what happened. While foul play has not been confirmed, officers are speaking with witnesses and examining the area as part of their ongoing inquiries.
This devastating incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly things can go wrong in natural swimming spots, even for experienced swimmers. Locals say the water hole is a well-known destination for people looking to cool off, but the area has strong currents and deep pockets that can be unpredictable.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. If you know anything about the events leading up to this tragedy, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. All information is confidential.
More updates to come as this story develops.
