A woman has died after being swept off a rock by a wave at a popular tourist hotspot in Australia.
Police were called to reports of two women being knocked into the water at the Pink Caves in Lake Macquarie, an Instagram -famous grotto with naturally pink-coloured rocks where visitors flock to take photos, reports news.com.au.
New South Wales police said they were called to a location south of Catherine Hill Bay at about 12.30pm on Thursday, April 14.
One of the women was washed back onto the rocks and only suffered minor injuries, but the other was in a serious condition when she was found.
Both women were rescued by surf life savers and rushed to shore on a jet ski, where police began CPR on the second woman.
Ambulance paramedics arrived and rushed to treat her, but sadly she died on the beach a short time later.
In a statement, police said: “One of the women was washed back onto the rocks, suffering minor injuries.
“A 26-year-old man jumped in the water to rescue the second woman, however he also came into trouble in the water.
“Surf life savers rescued the pair on a jet ski and brought them to shore on Moonee Beach, further south of Pink Caves, with officers attached to Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes Police Districts commenced CPR on the woman at the beach.
“NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and continued treating her, however she died a short time later. She is yet to be formally identified.
"The second female was transported by road Ambulance to John Hunter Hospital for medical assessment with bruising and abrasions.
“The man was treated at the scene for minor cuts and abrasions.
“A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.”
Earlier this year Coasties Magazine reported how Pink Caves had become "a star attraction of our region", with thousands of people flocking there each summer.
The magazine added: “It’s only recommended to visit during low tide and even then you still have to be careful,” the outlet warned.
“In the largest cave, natural erosion has created a passage for the waves to rush through. It’s dangerous to get too close to this split in the rock.
"It’s absolutely essential to be aware of the tides on the Central Coast when visiting this location.”
