Man missing after late-night Gold Coast swim identified as gym manager
The man missing and presumed dead after a late-night swim in rough Gold Coast surf has been identified as a local gym manager who was originally from England.
The search for Jake Jacobs, 32, started on Thursday night when the body of a woman with whom he went swimming at Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach washed up not long after they entered the water.
Passers-by found the woman’s body about 10.15pm on Thursday. She was in her late 20s and lived in Victoria, but was originally from Europe. Police were still trying to contact her next of kin on Friday evening, and as a result, Brisbane Times has chosen not to identify her.
The search for Mr Jacobs continued on Friday and was set to resume on Saturday, but his employer, MyFitness Club Broadbeach, paid tribute to him in a Facebook post on Friday evening.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic loss of our club manager Jake. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family at this time,” the post said.
“He was instrumental in helping grow the awesome club that many of you call a second home. You will be missed mate.”
Jake Jacobs, 32, is presumed dead off Broadbeach after a late-night swim in rough seas on Thursday.Credit:Facebook
On an online flatmate-finding website for his Miami home, Mr Jacobs described his journey to the Gold Coast.
“I’m 32 and originally from England. But I’ve now been in the GC [Gold Coast] for the last two years and consider this home,” he wrote.
“I’ve spent five years of my life travelling, so I’m very open-minded and outgoing. I enjoy meeting
people from different cultures.
“I try and keep fit and active by going to the gym, but could never say no to a large pizza or two.
“At the weekends I like adventuring, finding new places to explore, finding hidden waterfalls and great hikes. I also enjoy camping so will do the odd weekend away.”
Police said they “don’t expect to find anybody alive”. The sea conditions in the area on Friday were rough and expected to worsen, with a hazardous surf warning in place for the Gold Coast.
The air, land and sea search involved the Rescue 500 helicopter, several water police vessels, and police patrols along the beach.
A police officer on one of the search vessels sustained back injuries and had to be treated by paramedics. It is believed this may have been caused by the rough sea conditions.
Police said Friday’s search concentrated on the water north of Kurrawa Surf Club in Broadbeach.
Acting Inspector John Diggle said CCTV footage showed the pair, who were known to each other, together at the waterfront.
“From memory, it looked like they were going to the car to get a towel,” he said.
“The female had a swimsuit and we don’t know about the male, but we did find some clothes on the beach belonging to the man ... but he has not been located.”
Toby Crockford is a breaking news reporter at the Brisbane Times