Tragic Drowning Incident Claims Lives of Couple in Western Australia

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded at Conspicuous Cliff Beach, near Walpole in Western Australia, where Dr. Mohammad Swapan, 44, and Dr. Sabrina Ahmed, 40, drowned while attempting to rescue their youngest daughter from a powerful rip current. 

The family was enjoying their Christmas holiday at the remote beach when the incident occurred on Saturday, December 28.

Emergency services were alerted around 2:40 p.m. after reports of three individuals in distress. 

A 42-year-old man also entered the water to assist the couple. Fortunately, beachgoers were able to pull all three from the ocean; however, despite efforts to revive them through CPR, Dr. Swapan and Dr. Ahmed could not be saved.

A friend of the couple, who was also involved in the rescue attempt, was revived at the scene and is currently in stable condition at the hospital.

Dr. Swapan and Dr. Ahmed were well-respected members of the Bangladeshi community in Perth. Dr. Swapan served as an associate professor at Curtin University, while Dr. Ahmed was an academic focused on planning and development in Bangladesh. 

The couple relocated to Perth in 2011, and their tragic loss has deeply affected their community.