TWO friends have drowned in a tragic tale of mateship after getting caught in treacherous sea conditions off Australia’s south coast.
Scottish man Calum Ian McCombie, 36, had been surfing at Frankston Beach when he became overwhelmed in the rough waters after his surfboard snapped.
Calum Ian McCombie drowned in rough waters on Australia’s south coastCredit: CrowdFunder
Nicho Muggleton attempted to save his mate, however also tragically drowned in the swellCredit: Facebook/@Nico Muggleton
His friend Nicho Muggleton, 43, had been watching him from the sidelines on Frankston pier when he saw his surfboard split in two.
Without a second thought, Muggleton rushed to his aid, however was also inundated by the fierce waves, leaving both men at the mercy of the ocean.
A passerby called emergency services, who quickly attended the beach within minutes and were assisted by a police helicopter.
The pair were winched from the water, however neither could be revived.
McCombie, who had called home for 14 years, was a keen skateboarder and had taken up surfing just two years ago.
His funeral is set to take place next week in Aberdeenshire.
His distraught family have since spoken out.
“Calum was a beautiful person,” they told a local news outlet.
“Everyone who was lucky enough to meet Calum loved him.
“We are heartbroken that our son has gone too soon, he will be sorely missed by us all.”
McCombie’s family are now for emergency services in Frankston, who they say “did everything they could to try rescue both Calum and his friend Nicho”.
On an online fundraiser, they also added that “Calum loved animals and as a family we have always had cats”.
“We will also be supporting a local branch of cats protection.”
McCombie is survived by his parents, Derek McCombie and Dawn Gibson, and sister Kirsty Barbour.
On the day of the horrific tragedy, Victoria had been experiencing high winds reaching up to 80 mph.
Swimmers had been advised to stay out of the water, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing warnings of strong gusts, rough seas and dangerous conditions along the coast.
Powerful waves had consumed Frankston Beach on the day of the tragedyCredit: Alamy
Frankston Beach is 28 miles southeast of Melbourne, AustraliaCredit: Alamy
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Melissa Nixon said the deaths were both tragic and preventable.
“The weather conditions were obviously not appropriate to be in the water surfing, whether you’re experienced or you’re not experienced,” she said.
Muggleton, who was a Frankston local, had grown up surfing at the beach.
He was described as a loving man who “wouldn’t have been able to live with himself” if he hadn’t tried to rescue his mate.
Speaking to The Age , cousin Harriet Muggleton said: “There would have been no question, no doubt in his mind of jumping into that water to save his mate”.
“He honestly wouldn’t have thought twice about jumping in to save his friend,” she said.
“He wouldn’t have been able to live with himself had he not jumped into action.
“For as long as I can remember, he had that blond surfy hair – he was always in the water, very familiar with the waters down there,” she added.
Harriet said her family extended their condolences to McCombie’s, adding: “I hope they can take the tiniest amount of solace knowing that Nicho was with him and they’ve gone together”.
Close friend Nicole Scown said Muggleton brought light and joy to those around him.
“He made me laugh until I cried and my stomach ached, and those moments will stay with me forever,” she said.
“He was smart, talented and endlessly creative – a gifted artist and writer with a mind that saw the world in colour and depth.
“Nicho was, and always will be, so special to me. I’ll hold him close to my heart, always,” she added.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam said: “This devastating event is a sharp reminder of the power of nature and the real risk posed by severe weather”.
“On behalf of the entire Frankston City community, I extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones,” he added.
“We share in your grief and stand with you during this heartbreaking time.”
