Coastal town in mourning after father and son died trying to rescue a tourist from ocean

The town of Port Campbell is in mourning after losing two of its well-regarded surf lifesaving volunteers, a father and son, who died trying to rescue a tourist from waters.

Dairy farmers Ross and Andy Powell have been remembered as heroes after their rescue boat capsized on Sunday morning.

They were attempting to save a 30-year-old male tourist who got into difficulty at the mouth of the Sherbrook River.

The tourist and another rescuer were winched to safety by a helicopter but the Powells died at the scene.

Corangamite Mayor Neil Trotter told 3AW the Powells were the “epitome” of committed volunteers who also gave their time to the CFA and SES.

“A tragedy like this impacts right through the community,” he said.

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