Two canyoners sucked into a whirlpool in the NSW Blue Mountains found dead

The bodies of two women who went missing while canyoning in the Blue Mountains yesterday have been recovered by police.

Emergency services were called to Wollangambe Canyon, Mount Wilson, about 2.30pm on Saturday after the women disappeared beneath the water.

Their bodies were recovered by police divers about midday on Sunday, a police statement said.

One of the victims has been identified as a serving NSW police officer, Senior Constable Kelly Foster, 39, who had most recently been stationed at Lithgow police station.

Senior Constable Kelly Foster
Senior Constable Kelly Foster. Photograph: SUPPLIED/PR IMAGE

NSW police said the other woman was believed to be a 24-year-old international student from Chiswick. Police are waiting for confirmation that her family has been notified.

Police and ambulance crews had rushed to the scene on Saturday and helped eight other members of the group the pair were part of, who were not injured.

Witnesses have told police the younger woman was tipped off her inflatable lilo when it was swept into a whirlpool.

It is believed Foster was also swept in when she made attempts to rescue her.

The search for the women had resumed on Sunday morning with police divers joining the effort, after it was suspended about 6pm on Saturday because of poor weather.

Canyoning involves hiking, swimming, abseiling and navigating rock formations while travelling through canyons or river areas.

More rain and possible storms were forecast for the area early on Sunday.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

source: theguardian.com