The family of a couple who died in a tragic boating accident near Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef, about 1,200km from Perth, say the pair died doing what they loved.
Bob and Jan Oostryck, both in their 70s, were on board the 6.1m boat with their youngest son Ryan and his girlfriend Galina.
A statement released by the family today said two huge waves hit the side of the vessel, causing it to capsize outside the Ningaloo Reef, just north of the North Passage at about 2pm.
The group had only left the tourist township of Coral Bay an hour earlier when conditions were good.
"Our family is devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Bob and Jan Oostryck," the statement said.
"Bob and Jan were incredible people, full of life and they were doing what they loved in a place they loved.
"Their family and friends adored them and will cherish their memories with them in Coral Bay.
"We are so proud of Ryan and Galina and words can't explain how grateful everyone is to have them back safely.
"The family is hurting deeply and we ask for the media to respect our privacy at this difficult time."
A harrowing journey to safety
Ryan and Galina had a harrowing journey back to safety after the boat capsized.
"All necessary safety equipment was onboard but was not accessible due to the sudden capsizing," the statement said.
"Bob and Jan were knocked unconscious and trapped underwater for a period of time."
The younger couple tried to resuscitate them for up to half an hour, but they could not be revived.
"With the boat dangerously close to the reef, Ryan secured their bodies to the boat and made the difficult decision to leave and swim to safety," the statement said.
They recovered two life jackets and swam for four hours, reaching shore just after sunset.
They then walked for two-and-a-half hours until they reached some campers on the beach, who drove them to Coral Bay to raise the alarm.
A massive air and sea search was launched, but the upturned vessel and the bodies were not found until early on Wednesday morning.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Yesterday, police offered their heartfelt condolences to the family and the wider Coral Bay community, which had only just started to bounce back following the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
