International tourist dies during dive at Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

An international tourist in his 60s tragically died while diving at Ribbon Reef, located off Cooktown in far north Queensland. The incident occurred last Friday during a multi-day LiveAboard dive trip originating from Cairns. The man was discovered unconscious in the water and was pulled onto the boat, but despite efforts by a paramedic who boarded the vessel upon its return to shore, he could not be revived. Queensland Police have classified the death as non-suspicious and are preparing a report for the coroner, while Workplace Health and Safety is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. This unfortunate event marks the third death of a tourist at the Great Barrier Reef within the past year. In May, a Dutch woman in her 50s collapsed after snorkeling at Norman Reef and was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedic efforts. Additionally, last November, a 71-year-old man from South Australia died after being swept away by a strong current while snorkeling. He suffered a medical episode during the struggle and was later rescued but unfortunately did not survive. The Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination for tourists seeking underwater experiences, but these incidents highlight the potential dangers associated with diving and snorkeling activities. The recent fatalities have raised concerns about safety measures in place for tourists engaging in such activities. Authorities are now focusing on understanding the factors that contributed to these tragic events, aiming to enhance safety protocols to prevent future occurrences. The investigations will likely lead to recommendations that could improve the safety of diving and snorkeling excursions in the region.