BEACH TRAGEDY 

Surfer, 18, dies after vanishing beneath waves as heartbroken family pay tribute to ‘child of the ocean’

A TEEN surfer has tragically died after vanishing beneath the waves.

Lifesaver Joe Tolano, 18, disappeared from a Sunshine Coast beach, Australia, on Wednesday.

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Joe Tolano, 18, died in water off Buddina Beach on the Sunshine Coast, AustraliaCredit: Surf Life Saving Queensland
 

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Sister Abbie Tolano posted a tearjerking tribute to her brother JoeCredit: Instagram/abbietolano
 

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A huge search was sparked for the teen involving jet skis and police diversCredit: Marine Rescue Queensland
Joe, called a “child of the ocean” by his family, was surfing with friends at Buddina Beach, Queensland, when tragedy struck.

He got into trouble in the waves after coming off his surfboard, sparking a huge multi-day search effort.

The effort involved the coast guard, police divers, jet skis and a large group of volunteers.

But rough conditions complicated the search and the Joe’s body was discovered on Friday.

His parents, Glenn and Clare, and sister Abbie Tolano, released a heartbreaking statement.

They said: “Joe was a child of the ocean and he absolutely loved nippers.

“His body was small but his heart huge.”

“He was chasing his dream of being an Ironman.

“We have lost him doing what he loved surrounded by some of his best mates, and that fact helps us carry this unimaginable pain.

“We feel grateful for the love and support that has been wrapped around us by our friends, family and the surf clubs in which Joe grew up.

“We are sincerely appreciative of the efforts of Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), emergency services and volunteers who have made it possible to have him back with us.”

Joe was a much-loved member of the Met Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club, and had been due to join a club training session the afternoon of his disappearance.

Club President Brett Magnussen said: “He was a passionate young lifesaver, who loved patrolling the beach and keeping people safe.

“He brought great energy to training and competition, and he was incredibly well regarded not just within our club, but across the Sunshine Coast surf lifesaving community.”

Joe’s sister Abbie wrote in a tearjerking Instagram post that “the worst things happen to the best people”.

She added: “Joey you had a huge heart and it has showed in all the people showing up for you mate.”

“I’ll see you again soon JT – rest easy and hope there are endless barrels up there for you.”

A report on the young surfer’s death will be prepared for the local coroner.