A British man is one of two who died in treacherous sea conditions off a beach near Melbourne.
The 36 year old Brit was surfing in strong winds when his surfboard broke.
His friend entered the water to help but both died of drowning.
Both were eventually winched out of the sea by a police helicopter but were unresponsive and declared deceased on arrival at hospital, Victoria Police said.
Authorities believe the British man was surfing when his board broke.
Victoria Police Inspector Melissa Nixon said the British man had only just started learning to surf and had ‘minimal experience.’
“The weather conditions were obviously not appropriate to be in the water surfing, whether you’re experienced or not.”
“Do not go swimming or surfing in conditions like this when we know that it’s going to be treacherous conditions.”
Wind speeds in the area reached in excess of 100 kph.
