Queensland: Urgent search underway as swimmer disappears

Two swimmers have disappeared after fears they were swept away by a flash flood at a popular swimming hole in far north Queensland.

Rescue services are frantically searching for the swimmers who took a dip in Mossman Gorge, 20km north of Port Douglas.

The popular bathing spot is believed to have been affected by recent rains that have raised water levels and may have been hit by a flash flood.

Rescue services are frantically searching for the swimmers who took a dip in Mossman Gorge, 20km north of Port Douglas

On Friday afternoon, a Queensland Ambulance representative said an ambulance was at the scene.

“The rescue helicopter is on site and has an emergency paramedic on board,” he said.

“Two people were reported missing in the water just before 2pm.

“We were called at 1:54 p.m.”

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services representative said the Swiftwater Rescue Unit was in Mossman Gorge.

The unit is both upstream and downstream and there are six firefighting crews on site.

SES Far North Regional Director Wayne Coutts said staff and volunteers were involved in the search for the missing swimmers.

“We have members from Cairns North who are searching on the banks of the Mossman Gorge,” he said.

On Friday afternoon, a Queensland Ambulance representative said an ambulance was at the scene

A Queensland Police spokesman confirmed officers were at the scene.

“We’re looking for two people who were swept away,” he said.

“We have search coordinators there and the SES is bringing in a drone crew to help with the search.

‘Because this site is a commercial entity, occupational health and safety has been recommended and we take this very seriously.’