Surf Coast Times & Bellarine Times

A Melbourne mother has died in tragic circumstances after getting caught in a rip at Urquhart Bluff early Sunday afternoon.

Demet Latifoglu, 36, along with another woman, entered the water after noticing members of their group, including Ms Latifoglu’s son, were struggling in their attempts to return to shore.

The two women got caught in the rip almost immediately and the alarm was then raised by fellow beachgoers.

It took almost an hour for rescuers to get all seven people back to shore, with Ms Latifoglu the only person to be retrieved via helicopter.

Following resuscitation attempts at the beach, Ms Latifoglu was flown to Geelong Hospital, where she died not long after suffering cardiac arrest.

Urquhart Bluff is an unpatrolled beach, with lifesavers from nearby Fairhaven and Anglesea responding in inflatable rescue boats, along with the Barwon Heads-based rescue helicopter. The six other people who were rescued – five males aged between nine and 18 and another 36-year-old woman – were taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

The beach, which has a beach hazard rating of seven (out of 10) according to Surf Life Saving Australia, was immediately closed following the incident.

Life Saving Victoria media and communications manager Jennifer Roberts said Urquhart Bluff, situated between Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, is renowned for its treacherous rip.

“Yesterday’s incident at Urquhart Bluff was a tragic situation,” she said.

“There was some communications difficulties for lifesavers as well, due to language barriers as well as the distressed state of the patients.”

It is believed members of the rescued group were of Lebanese descent.

Sergeant Kevin Warburton of Anglesea police said the tragedy served as a reminder of the often dangerous conditions at Urquhart Bluff.

“We got a call not long after midday and when we arrived there was a lot of shock and distress, which made communication a bit difficult,” he said.

“Whilst I certainly encourage people to enjoy the Surf Coast’s beautiful beaches, if you’re unsure of the conditions, or are not a confident swimmer, then you should reconsider your need to go swimming.”

Police will compile a report for the Coroner. Two Deakin University students drowned at nearby Hutt Gully beach in 2007 after being caught in a rip.