A young man found dead after falling overboard on the Great Barrier Reef was a martial arts instructor and former Brisbane student.
The body of 23-year-old Louie McHugh was recovered from the water on Saturday near Batt Reef off Port Douglas, where Steve Irwin was fatally injured in 2006.
“Emergency services were initially notified of … a man overboard from a marine vessel near Batt Reef around 11.30am, with a search and rescue being launched soon after,” police said in a statement.
McHugh’s body was found just after 2.20pm after a water and aerial search. Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner.
The Queensland Ambulance Service said they were called to the search but were not needed.
Progressive Martial Arts in Tingalpa posted a tribute on Monday, saying McHugh was an instructor.
“It is with a very heavy, broken heart that we post the loss … I’m lost for words,” it said.
The Iona College Old Boys Association of former students of the Wynnum West school said McHugh graduated in 2020.
“All Ionians join together to offer our love, prayers, support and sympathy to Louie’s family and friends as they deal with this devastating loss,” it said.
“But as Christians, we can draw strength and comfort that Louie is now at peace in Heaven with God the Father, joining him in eternal life.”
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