Tragic end to search for swimmers who went missing at popular waterfall

Police have located the bodies of two swimmers who went missing at a popular waterfall in North Queensland this morning.

Paramedics and a rescue helicopter were deployed to Millaa Millaa Falls, about 100 kilometres south-west of Cairns, about 8.50am today.

Police said three men aged in their 20s had entered the water and only one man was accounted for.

Detective Inspector Inspector Jason Smith today confirmed two bodies were found shortly after the search commenced.

“Two men entered the water from the shore, they did not jump from the rocks,” Smith said.

“It appears one man got into difficulty and then a second man has come to render assistance but unfortunately they both perished.”

The third man was treated at the scene for shock and temperature exposure. 

Smith said the three men were known to each other and they were now working to contact the next of kin of the deceased.

“Far North Queensland is a great place to visit and take advantage of the waterholes,” Smith said.

“But everyone, have vigilance and take care and only go into areas where they know they have the capability to swim, and capability to swim safely and people have to look out for each other.”

Earlier, director of Clinical Operations Chris Draper said the area had some “accessibility issues”.

“There are roads into the waterfall itself, we’re just trying to get people out and trying to identify how the helicopter will reach these people once they’re identified,” Draper said.

“Be assured we have services up there to support the search at the moment.”