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ABC News
ABC News
National

Man drowns at Murray Mouth, son taken to hospital, after pair swept off beach

The state rescue helicopter flies over dredgers at the Murray Mouth near Goolwa where the man drowned. (Gary Juleff)

A man has drowned near the Murray Mouth in South Australia after being swept off a sandbar while fishing.

His 16-year-old son managed to swim to shore and was taken to hospital.

Police were called to Sugars Beach on Hindmarsh Island, near Goolwa, about 8:40am after reports the 50-year-old man and his son were missing in the water.

The man was later found unconscious in the water by the state rescue helicopter.

He was brought to shore by a surf lifesaver but could not be revived.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

A Sea Rescue boat on the Murray River near where the man drowned. (Gary Juleff)

A witness said the boy fell in first and the father jumped in after him.

"I'd do the same … It's your child," a separate fisherman, Peter Cuconits, said.

"I'm not sure whether he realised how dangerous it was.

"We've had a few rougher days — there's a big swell running — so, yeah, the rips are really strong."

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