A diver who died at Mettam’s Pool in Perth’s north was an off-duty police officer

An off-duty police officer has died while diving at a popular beach in Perth’s northern suburbs.

Police and other emergency services were called to Mettam’s Pool, north of Trigg Beach, at around 10.30am on Tuesday in response to reports of a diver in distress.

The 40-year-old woman was removed from the water and first aid was administered, but Officer First Class was pronounced dead at the scene.

With multiple police vehicles and ambulances present, dozens of onlookers stopped near the scene and traffic in the area slowed as drivers tried to see what was happening.

After the woman’s body was removed from the area, many visibly distraught people arrived at the scene in the early afternoon.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

In a statement, a Washington State Police spokesman said it expressed its thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and colleagues.

The spokesman said that saving life and death is an everyday activity of the rescue services, but the incidents involving one of them were particularly difficult for the officers.

Support will be provided to people affected by the woman’s death.

Her family asked for privacy.

Tragedies from the past

Mettams Pool, a popular spot for snorkeling, diving and abalone fishing, has been the site of fatalities before.

In 2021, a 50-year-old man who was fishing for abalone at Mettams Pool with friends and family could not be saved after he was found unconscious in the water.

In 2016, a 35-year-old man died after being pulled from the water at the scene. When he encountered difficulties, it was believed he was snorkeling.

Loading