FOUR lives have been cut short over the past week after tragedy struck the region on three occasions, shocking the entire Limestone Coast community, including the police.
Limestone Coast Police operations manager Inspector Campbell Hill described the fatal incidents – occurring on the ocean, road and at one of the region’s iconic landmarks – as devastating tragedies for the community.
The horror stretch started Tuesday last week, when two fishermen were reported missing after their boat overturned off the Cape Jaffa coast.
While one 84-year-old man was located deceased with the boat, the other 74-year-old fisherman is still missing and hopes of finding him have diminished.
Search efforts were scaled down last week after there were no signs of the missing fisherman.
“It is unfortunately the nature of the marine environment that can make locating people very difficult,” Insp Hill said.
“Fortunately we were able to locate one of the men and provide the family with some closure, however our thoughts remain with the family who are still missing a loved one.”
Just after midnight on Sunday, there was more devastation, when news of a man falling from the viewing platform at the Cave Gardens surfaced.
Emergency services initiated a rescue operation in hope of retrieving the man alive, however when they reached the bottom of the 30 metre drop their worst fears were confirmed.
Lewiston man Bradley Streeter, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene of one of the city’s most popular natural attractions.
“It is an iconic tourist location in the city and will continue to be for those who visit it, but unfortunately for the family of this young man it will always have that tragic connection.”
Insp Hill said the incident presented many challenges for police, as emergency services attempted to retrieve the body of 20-year-old man Bradley Streeter.
“We had to ensure the scene was secured so the Metropolitan Fire Service and State Emergency Service could conduct their rescue operation,” he said.
“Our officers then also had to speak to witnesses while also providing assistance and support to family and friends who were on the scene.”
He said these efforts were compounded by the fact it happened at a central city location at a busy time.
“As most people would be aware that area is quite busy during the early hours of Sunday morning as people move and walk from each licensed premises,” he said.
“We are lucky to have great supervisors who were able to make sure the other emergency services were able to do their job without any interference.”
Insp Hill said the most disappointing thing about such a high-profile incident was the potential impact for misinformation on social media.
“Social media can be a useful tool for police in terms of investigating matters, but when it comes to incidents like this it is a platform where innuendo and misinformation can quickly spread,” he said.
“That is obviously quite disappointing and frustrating for us as police, but also for the family of the victim.”
A truck crash across the border on Monday was the final blow for a community which had already been heavily impacted over the past seven days.
The truck rolled and hit a tree, with the driver – a 39-year-old Mount Gambier man – declared dead at the scene.
“While the circumstances of the crash is a matter for the Victorian Police, this was another door our officers had to knock on to inform them a loved one would not be coming home,” he said.
“That is the worst part of the job we have to do.”
While the crash occurred outside the South Australian jurisdiction, Insp Hill said the tragedy should serve as a reminder for people to take care on the roads.
“No matter what road you’re travelling on, at whatever time, or in whatever conditions, you have a responsibility as a road user to get to your destination safely,” Insp Hill said.
