Tragedy as Chinese student, 21, is found dead while kayaking in waters at North Stradbroke Island

Tragedy as Chinese student, 21, is found dead after becoming separated from his mates while kayaking in waters off Brisbane

  • A group of friends were returning to North Stradbroke Island from Peel Island
  • They were separated from one another at about 5pm in rain and failing light
  • Authorities and rescue teams were called and police began searching at 5.30pm
  • Fourteen water police and volunteer vessels searched overnight for the man
  • The student’s body was found at 7.15am on Thursday in the Rous Channel

A Chinese student, 21, has been found dead after he became separated from his friends while kayaking between islands off Brisbane. 

The man and six friends were paddling to North Stradbroke Island from Peel Island in Moreton Bay on Wednesday afternoon when the weather changed.

The group, who were travelling in four kayaks, were separated from one another at about 5pm in rain and failing light.

Authorities and rescue teams were notified and police began the search at about 5.30pm. 

Fourteen water police and volunteer vessels searched overnight, before the student’s body was found at 7.15am on Thursday in the Rous Channel.

One of the man’s friends had raised the alarm after the group became separated.

Timeline of the tragedy 

Wednesday 5pm: The group become separated as they make their way back to North Stradbroke Island

5.30pm: Authorities are called and police begin searching

6.30pm: Water police find four of the kayakers

9pm: Two others are found near Amity Banks

Thursday 7.15am: The body of the remaining kayaker, 21, is found in the Rous Channel

Water police found four of the kayakers about 6.30pm on Wednesday, while two others were found near Amity Banks about 9pm.

Senior Sergeant Gary Worrel said everyone in the group was wearing life jackets and had told people where they were going.

‘It was just an unfortunate set of circumstances with the weather. It is a sad result,’ he said. 

‘Our deepest sympathies are given to the families, the international student community and the university involved in relation to this event.’ 

Queensland Police said there are no suspicious circumstances and police will prepare a report for the Coroner. 

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