😢 “WE DID EVERYTHING WE COULD, BUT…” — Heartbreaking Australia Day Update: Two Lives Lost, Pregnant Woman Fighting for Survival After River Nightmare on NSW Mid North Coast 💔🌊

It was supposed to be a relaxing long weekend getaway… a group from Sydney enjoying the calm waters of the Never Never River near Bellingen. Then tragedy struck in seconds. Two men in their 30s pulled from the river… paramedics fought desperately, but they couldn’t be revived. A pregnant woman, also in her 30s, submerged and now battling in hospital with serious shock. Another man rushed to hospital too.

A tragic drowning incident on the NSW Mid North Coast has cast a shadow over Australia Day celebrations, claiming the lives of two men and leaving a pregnant woman fighting for her life in hospital. The event unfolded Sunday evening, January 25, 2026, in the Never Never River at Gleniffer, near Bellingen, when a group of friends from Sydney got into difficulties while swimming.

Emergency services were alerted around 6:45 p.m. to John Locke Place after reports of multiple people struggling in the water. First responders from NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, and local fire services arrived swiftly. Paramedics pulled three men in their 30s and a pregnant woman, also believed to be in her 30s, from the river. Despite resuscitation efforts at the scene, the two men were pronounced dead. A third man was transported to hospital in stable condition. The pregnant woman, who had been submerged, was initially treated for shock and rushed to Coffs Harbour Health Campus in serious condition.

NSW Ambulance confirmed the woman suffered emotional and physical shock from the ordeal. Her pregnancy adds layers of concern, with medical teams monitoring both her and the unborn child closely. A fourth individual—sometimes referenced as the third man—was also hospitalized, though updates on his status remain limited.

Police quickly established a crime scene as standard procedure in unexplained deaths, though no foul play has been suggested. Officers are preparing a report for the coroner to determine the exact circumstances. Investigators are examining factors such as water conditions, group dynamics, alcohol involvement, or sudden currents—common contributors in river incidents.

The Never Never River, a tributary in the Bellinger River system, is popular for its scenic beauty and generally calm waters, especially in summer. Locals describe the spot near John Locke Place as a favored swimming hole, often used by visitors and residents alike during holidays. However, rivers can be deceptive: hidden currents, sudden depth changes, cold water shock, or fatigue can overwhelm even strong swimmers.

The victims and survivors were part of a larger group staying at a nearby rental property for the Australia Day long weekend. The tragedy unfolded rapidly, leaving witnesses and first responders shaken. One paramedic reportedly noted the frantic efforts to revive the men, underscoring the emotional toll on emergency personnel.

NSW Police and health authorities have not released names pending family notifications and coronial processes. The incident has devastated the tight-knit Bellingen community, known for its artsy, rural vibe about six hours north of Sydney. Residents expressed sorrow online and locally, with some calling it a “senseless loss” during what should have been a joyful holiday.

This marks a somber start to 2026 for water-related fatalities in NSW. Earlier in January, multiple drownings occurred along the coast, including incidents at beaches and other waterways, prompting warnings from Surf Life Saving NSW about hazardous conditions. While the Never Never is inland, the broader message resonates: waterways demand respect regardless of appearance.

Water safety experts emphasize key precautions: swim in supervised areas when possible, never alone, avoid alcohol, wear life jackets if needed (especially for non-strong swimmers or in unfamiliar spots), and know how to spot rip currents or undertows—even in rivers. Cold water can cause gasping, hyperventilation, or cardiac stress, leading to rapid incapacitation.

The pregnant woman’s condition highlights additional risks in such incidents. Submersion can lead to near-drowning complications like acute respiratory distress, aspiration pneumonia, or secondary infections, compounded by pregnancy-related physiological changes. Shock—both hypovolemic from immersion and psychological from trauma—requires immediate intervention. Hospitals like Coffs Harbour are equipped for obstetric emergencies, with specialists on standby.

The event has renewed calls for enhanced public education on river safety. Organizations like Royal Life Saving Society Australia report hundreds of rescues and fatalities annually from inland waters, often underreported compared to coastal incidents. Australia Day, with increased outdoor activities, sees spikes in water-related emergencies.

Emergency response was praised for its speed. Multiple agencies coordinated effectively in a rural area, demonstrating the value of well-trained paramedics and police. NSW Ambulance highlighted the challenges of treating multiple critical patients simultaneously in remote locations.

For the families, the aftermath is profound. Two men lost their lives in what began as leisure; a pregnant woman faces uncertain recovery while grieving friends; and survivors carry the trauma of witnessing the event. Community support networks in Bellingen and surrounding areas have mobilized, with offers of counseling and practical aid.

Police continue their investigation, interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available footage or evidence. While no criminality is apparent, the coroner’s inquest will provide final determinations on cause of death.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability. As Australia reflects on its national day, the focus shifts to mourning the lost and supporting the injured. Authorities urge vigilance around water this summer: swim smart, stay safe, and never underestimate the power of even calm-looking rivers.

The community of Gleniffer and Bellingen grieves alongside the nation, hoping for the pregnant woman’s full recovery and justice through understanding what went wrong on that fateful evening.