Heartfelt tributes for Filipino student Karlo Bul-Anon after drowning off Main Beach on the Gold Coast

‘He drowned, and just like that, the young man full of dreams and love was taken too soon.’

A young international student who came to Australia over a year ago to pursue his dreams has drowned off a Queensland beach.

The body of Karlo Bul-Anon, 20, was found at Main Beach on the Gold Coast about 1.40pm on Wednesday, a day after he vanished in the water.

Bul-Anon came from the Philippines hoping to build a better future, with his family “sacrificing so much” to support him financially, family friend Alfreda Camasura said on a GoFundMe page.

“What was meant to be a simple swim turned into a tragedy,” she wrote.

“He drowned, and just like that, the young man full of dreams and love was taken too soon. No goodbye. No last embrace. Only silence.”

Camasura said Bul-Anon worked hard while studying in Australia, pushing through homesickness and exhaustion.

“He studied hard. He worked long hours. He endured homesickness in silence,” she said.

“There were nights he felt tired and alone, but he never gave up.

“Whenever he felt weak, he reminded himself why he started — for his parents, for his brother, for the family he loved more than anything.”

She said the 20-year-old would be remembered for “his kindness, humility and determination”.

A man claiming to be Bul-Anon’s flatmate said he was in shock and struggling to believe he was gone.

“He even said ‘God bless and take care’ when I left home that day before the tragedy,” he wrote in a social media post.

“I will miss you and the house won’t be the same again without hearing your voice while you are playing computer games whole day.”

A business also paid tribute to Bul-Anon online, saying the company was mourning the loss of a “beloved crew member”.

“Karlo was not just a member of our team — he was a kind soul, a hardworking crew, and a friend who brought smiles and positivity to everyone around him,” the post read.

“You were a big part of the Click Rite On Que family, and your presence will truly be missed.

“Thank you for the dedication, laughter, and memories you shared with us. Your kindness and spirit will always remain in our hearts.”

Bul-Anon’s family is now trying to bring his body home to the Philippines, according to the GoFundMe page.

“The financial cost of repatriating his remains from Australia is overwhelming, and in this time of unimaginable grief, they cannot carry this burden alone,” Camasura wrote.

“To anyone willing to extend financial assistance, any amount — big or small — will be deeply appreciated.

“Your generosity will help bring their beloved son home so he can finally rest in the arms of the land and the people who love him most.”