‘It’s unimaginable how somebody, let alone two people, could drown there’: Mystery surrounds the ‘highly unusual’ deaths of two Japanese tourists found dead in the middle of a calm lake
- Bodies of two teenage Japanese boys were found in Lake McKenzie on Saturday
- Fraser Island Mayor said the situation is ‘highly unusual’ as the lake is ‘calm’
- The 16-year-old boys were found in the water at 8.20am
- They were reported missing from a tourist group just after 5pm on Friday
The deaths of two Japanese boys whose bodies were pulled out of a Queensland lake have puzzled authorities, who say it is ‘unimaginable’ how they could’ve drowned there.
The two 16 year olds were found in Lake McKenzie in Fraser Island at about 8.20am on Saturday after they were reported missing from a school tourist group just after 5pm the previous day.
The island’s Mayor George Seymour expressed his shock at the tragedy saying the lake is a popular tourist destination where situations such as this are rare, 7News reported.
The 16-year-old Japanese nationals were found in the water at Lake McKenzie (pictured) on Queensland’s idyllic Fraser Island about 8.20am on Saturday
‘It’s really unimaginable how somebody, let alone two people, could drown there,’ he said.
‘It’s a calm lake in the middle of an island … whatever has happened is highly unusual.’
Inspector Tony Clowes said it is unknown whether or not the boys knew how to swim but warned swimmers to ‘know your abilities’ when entering any body of water.
Police are currently working with the Japanese consulate and will prepare at report for the coroner.
Officials are also investigating the children’s supervision as they did not travel with their families.
The two teens were staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort and staff have released a statement saying they are ‘deeply saddened’ by the incident.
Authorities conducted a search and rescue operation on Friday with both water police and helicopters called in to help local police find the teenagers.
Swift-water rescue crews, State Emergency Service officer and the Rural Fire Service were also called in to aid the search.
Maryborough Patrol Group Inspector Tony Clowes called the deaths a ‘tragedy’ at a press conference on Saturday afternoon but said police continue to investigate.
‘It’s very early days in the investigation. This is a tragic event, no doubt about that,’ he said.
‘Certainly it would be confronting for all persons involved, including emergency services who responded.’
A search and rescue operation was immediately commenced, with both water police and helicopters called in to help local police find the teenagers
Police confirmed the two boys were on a school trip and were known to each other, but weren’t related.
Inspector Clowes said a full investigation is underway: ‘We’ll be speaking to all the witnesses available and putting together a full picture of exactly what occurred, the events, and the timing of the events.’
‘We’re also working very closely with the Japanese consulate in relation to this matter and providing any assistance we can in these tragic circumstances,’ Inspector Clowes said.
The two 16-year-old boys’ next of kin has been notified and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Jeff Ellison from SeaLink Travel Group, who own Kingfisher Bay resort, confirmed the boys were on a group tour with guides and interpreters, the ABC reported.
Mr Ellison said his staff members are cooperating with police in the investigation.
‘Our whole team up there is deeply saddened about this tragic event and at the moment out thoughts are with the families and friends.’