After the group was dragged from the waves at an unpatrolled beach close to a well-liked Victorian vacation destination, three individuals have perished and one woman has been evacuated to a hospital in a critical condition.
About 149 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, at Forest Caves on Phillip Island, the group encountered difficulties at 3:30 p.m. today.
Three of the four swimmers were declared dead at the scene, but the other two were retrieved from the sea unresponsive and given CPR.
A male in his 40s and two ladies in their 20s are among the deceased.
A third woman, who is also thought to be in her 20s, was evacuated in critical condition to The Alfred.
Ambulance Victoria, police, and lifeguards were present.
Their deaths are not being investigated as suspicious, and the deceased have not been given a formal identity.
The coroner will receive a report from the police.
Sea caves created by cliff erosion can be found at Forest Caves, a well-liked tourist destination on Phillip Island.
The location is only accessible during low tide and is a well-liked hiking and swimming spot.
Waves and tides can change quickly in this location.
