Couple’s beloved dog is tragically killed after being sucked into a rip at a popular beach
- Dog was killed in rip at 11 Mile Beach, WA
- Owner Georgia Crook said dog was caught in reef
A shattered couple who lost their beloved dog to a dangerous rip at a popular beach have called for proper warning signs to be introduced.
Georgia Crook, was swimming at 11 Mile Beach in Esperance, in southern West Australia, with her partner Ash Bowman and their two dogs last Saturday.
All four had been enjoying a seemingly perfect day at the beach before their Australian Shepherd was suddenly sucked into a gap in the nearby reef.
Within seconds the three-year-old dog had been carried away in the rip.
The couple scoured the area and dove underwater to try and find Mushu but his body tragically never resurfaced.
Dog-owner, Georgia Crook (pictured right), lost her dog Mushu (pictured) after a rip dragged the Australian Shepard into a gap in a reef at 11 Mile Beach in Esperance last Saturday
‘It all happened in about in about two seconds and in front of our eyes,’ Ms Crook told 7News.
‘I knew instantly he was gone and we weren’t getting him back. He was helpless.
‘It was so heartbreaking.’
Her partner attempted to jump into the gap immediately after, calling out to Mushu, but it was too late.
The couple turned to a community Facebook group to ask if Mushu had been found by anyone else in the area.
It was then that they learnt numerous other dogs have been killed at the same location.
‘So sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time this has happened. It really is dangerous,’ one user wrote.
‘I worry for anyone swimming near these spots. It should be covered with mesh and sign-posted,’ another wrote.
‘Sorry to hear about this. I lost my dog many years ago in the same spot,’ one pet owner said.
A spokesperson for the Shire of Esperance said that they are prioritising the update of safety signage after it was revealed that Mushu is one of many dogs to have been killed there
Ms Crook said she was concerned about children getting caught in the rip.
The Shire of Esperance council said that they are taking steps to prioritise updating signage on water safety.
‘The Shire does not have management over this beach, which is why the safety signage we provide is located at the access points,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We can confirm that Shire officers have already been working in partnership with Surf Life Saving WA, who have carried out a coastal risk assessment and advised on updated signage.
‘The coastal hazard signage on the Esperance tourist loop and town areas will be updated as a priority.’
