A major search and rescue operation has ended in tragedy in Far North Queensland after two swimmers went missing at a popular waterfall.
A rescue helicopter and ambulance crew were sent to Mila Mila Falls on the Cairns Plateau about 8.50am on Tuesday after reports two men had failed to return to the surface from the water.
Queensland Police confirmed that three men in their 20s were visiting the swimming spot, with one of the men entering the water before starting to struggle.
Another man entered the water after him to help him, but both men failed to return to the surface.
Their bodies were found around noon.
Queensland Police said next of kin of the deceased men had not yet been notified.
Queensland Ambulance’s clinical operations manager Chris Draper said there were “some access issues” facing rescue crews, but he noted there were roads leading to the waterfall.
A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said paramedics assisted with the search and rescue operation but stopped at about 12.15pm.
Mila Mila Falls is a World Heritage listed waterfall with a height of about 18.3 metres.
