He informed them that, because the group had been holding fingers, wading to shore in knee-high water, with their backs to the Bass Strait, a big wave got here crashing down.
“The second wave pushed my brother-in-law out, however took all people in,” Chhabra recollects. “After that, we by no means noticed them – solely the our bodies.”
Off-duty lifesavers browsing close by rushed to their support, pulling three folks from the water unresponsive. A rescue boat retrieved the fourth particular person after the Cape Woolamai Surf Lifesaving Membership responded about 3.40pm.
Emergency companies rushed to the scene and started CPR.
Three died on the sand. Suhani Anand was resuscitated earlier than a helicopter landed on the seaside, airlifting her to hospital in a essential situation.
Chhabra was inconsolable when The Age arrived on the scene hours after the tragedy. He cried because the lined our bodies had been loaded into vans about 8pm. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he cried out as they drove away.
The subsequent day, police introduced 20-year-old Suhani, who was learning to turn into a nurse like her brother, had died at The Alfred.
On Thursday, all 4 victims had been cremated after a service that mixed Sikh and Hindu rites. Household who had flown in from India had been amongst about 200 mourners.
Chhabra, whose shut connections to all 4 victims put him on the centre of the tragedy, spoke publicly for the primary time after the funeral.
When requested how he had coped, he stated: “It has not been 10 days – it has been seconds … We simply got here right here for a greater future, and in just a few seconds, we misplaced all people.”
Mourners on the funeral service for 4 individuals who drowned off Phillip Island final week. Credit score: Penny Stephens
Bedi had solely arrived in Australia six months in the past from the northern Indian state of Punjab to review psychology, residing with the Anand siblings in Clyde alongside Chhabra.
“They’d turn into greatest associates,” Chhabra stated.
Sondhi, 43, was two weeks into her Australian vacation visiting her brother. She leaves behind two youngsters.
Chhabra stated the household didn’t see warnings of harmful waters at Forrest Caves. He desires authorities to enhance security signage. Final week, a detailed pal talking for the household urged others to be extra cautious at seashores.
Ankur Chhabra speaks with household and associates behind him.Credit score: Penny Stephens
“Now we have misplaced 4 relations, we don’t need anybody else to lose their relations,” Chhabra stated.
Household and associates thanked emergency companies for making an attempt to save lots of their family members. Additionally they praised the Indian excessive fee and native MP Cassandra Fernando for serving to abroad household enter Australia for Thursday’s service.
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