Shocked bystanders have recalled a young man’s desperate plea for help before he drowned at a popular swimming spot.
Jonas Safari, 21, was enjoying an afternoon with family and friends at Canberra’s Pine Island on Sunday when he dived into Murrumbidgee River.
Despite the calm conditions, he experienced trouble in the water and failed to resurface.
Witnesses recalled hearing the young man yell out ‘drowning’ as he struggled to stay above the river’s surface.
A bystander recalled how a man who jumped into water to try and save Mr Safari’s asked onlookers if anyone a knife in case the 21-year-old required freeing.
She told the ABC that Mr Safari was underwater for about five minutes before swimmers were ordered by emergency services to evacuate.
Police divers pulled Mr Safari’s body from the water two hours later.
His death has sent shockwaves through Canberra’s Congolese-Kenyan community.
Jonas Safari, 21, was heard screaming ‘drowning’ on Sunday before he passed in an ACT waterway, as his family grapple with their second loss
The tragedy unfolded at Pine Island, a popular swimming spot in Canberra
Mr Safari had lived in Canberra with his mother and four younger siblings for almost five years.
‘It is with great sadness and sorrow that we have lost one of our youth in the Canberra community after a tragic drowning at Pines Island on (Sunday) while swimming with other youth,’ a community leader wrote.
‘The family and community are still coming to terms with this traumatic incident. Pray for the family and friends who were there with Jonas.’
‘There will be daily prayers and personal visits at their home for support.’
Relatives also left touching tributes for the young man.
Jonas’ body was recovered from the water by police divers at Pine Island two hours later
‘Rest in eternal peace, young brother Jonas,’ Akon Safari wrote on social media.
‘I know you are in a better place in paradise with your brother Moses.’
Others were heartbroken by the family’s loss.
‘I am so sorry for the tragedy that befell Papa Safari again. May Jehovah God comfort you,’ one woman wrote.
A memorial service will be held on January 10.
Community leaders set up a GoFundMe to support Mr Safari’s family, including his four younger siblings, which has raised more than 2,000.
Police aren’t treating Mr Safari’s death as suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.
It’s the second drowning death in ACT waters this year after a man, 23, died in the Murrumbidgee River in February.
Mr Safari was one of 33 drownings across Australia in December alone in what has been a horror start of the summer.
The tragedy has prompted warnings from authorities for swimmers to take precautions before entering the water.
‘Even on hot summer days, the water can be very cold, and it can also induce fatigue and cramping without warning,’ ACT Acting Detective Inspector Alex Chapman said.
‘Supervise your children, and always check water conditions, including the depth before diving in, and also have some idea of your swimming ability.’
