Australia: Two Indians drown while swimming

Two Indians drowned at a beach in northern New South Wales, Australia while swimming with a group of friends.

The two men, aged 24 and 25, were swimming with friends at Belongil Beach, Byron Bay, when they drowned on Sunday noon, Australian news agency APP reported today.

Police said the men, who were not identified, were under water for up to 10 minutes before they were taken ashore, where rescuers and paramedics tried in vain to revive them.

The men got caught in a rip and people on the beach raised the alarm. Lifesavers plunged into the water and found them on the ocean floor just beyond the surf break.

They were taken to Byron Bay Hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

A third man who also got into difficulty at the beach was saved. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Byron Bay detectives were investigating the incident and will prepare a report for the coroner.

The men were swimming outside the flagged area and in an unpatrolled part of the beach, the APP said.

Duty officer Jimmy Keough said the accident highlighted the dangers of swimming in unpatrolled areas of the beach.

"A short walk to the patrolled area would have certainly prevented this tragic loss of life," Keough said.