A surfer has died after wiping out at Gnaraloo yesterday, 150km north of Carnarvon in Western Australia. It’s believed that the 55-year-old made contact with the coral reef, and was pulled from the water with what was described by witnesses at the scene as significant facial injuries. Ambulance officers were called at 8:50am Sunday morning, and police were notified around 9:15am.

Gnaraloo is very remote, making it difficult enough to get cell phone coverage, let alone being reached by emergency services. Getting in there is an hour-and-a-half drive over corrugated track… luxury travel, this ain't. It’s the start of the season up there and yesterday, sets were six to eight feet, breaking over big fingers of coral heads, which are visible at low tide. For context, imagine the power of a mini Chopes, but less perfect, less predictable, and less user-friendly. In many ways, a recipe for disaster.

Stab's thoughts go out to the victim's family. Stay safe out there.