Two men drowned at Petrel Cove in 2014.
Source: News Corp Australia
Luke Ashman, centre, who tried to rescue Kamran Gujari, leaves after giving evidence.
Source: News Limited
STAIRS to a dangerous Fleurieu Peninsula beach should be removed to prevent inexperienced swimmers using it, a coroner has heard.
An inquest is investigating the drownings of Kamran Bimal Gujari and Nasir Ali Anwari at Petrel Cove last year and David Russell Gadd at nearby Depledge Beach in 2012.
Surfer Luke Ashman on Thursday told the court that limiting public access to Petrel Cove by removing stairs would discourage people unfamiliar with the dangers of the beach from swimming there.
The court also heard dramatic details of his desperate attempt to save Mr Gujari, 19.
Mr Ashman said he had finished a two-hour surf at Petrel Cove on April 25 and noticed a “commotion” on nearby rocks. He then spotted two men in trouble in the ocean who were being dragged out by a rip.
Mr Ashman quickly entered the dangerous surf and swam out to Mr Gujari, who appeared lifeless, and to another swimmer, Thomas Claven.
He tried to drag both men to shore on a boogie board, but the rip proved too much and, as exhaustion set in, he eventually lost hold of Mr Gujari.
His body has never been found. Mr Claven survived.
“I was being hit by waves. I was … trying to swim against the rip. I had to let him go,” Mr Ashman told the court.
“I tried to swim back to shore but it took two or three strokes to realise that would be impossible. So I swam straight on to the rocks. I was pretty exhausted.
“My vision was going dark. I believed I was passing out as well due to exhaustion.”
A helicopter later winched Mr Ashman to safety.
Deputy Coroner Anthony Schapel paid tribute to Mr Ashman’s heroism. Outside court Mr Gujari’s family and Mr Ashman embraced during an emotional meeting.
The inquest continues.
Surfer tells Coroner’s Court that removing staircase to Petrel Cove could prevent drownings
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