The family of a father-of-two who drowned after jumping from a boat in Brisbane on New Year’s Day has made a touching tribute.
Perth man Rory McGuire was last seen alive jumping into Manly Harbour to retrieve an item just before 11pm on January 1.
The 46-year-old’s body was found the following morning by Queensland police following a search by police divers and water police.
The death is the fifth to rock the Perth community, where Mr McGuire lived, with the loss mourned online by his father Peter McGuire.
“It is just so hard to believe this situation. Part of us has gone missing until sometime in the future,” Mr McGuire said.
“But, the memories will linger and stay fresh in our hearts ‘till it’s our time to go fishing in the blue, blue waters in the sky.”
Brother Angus McGuire also took to social media to pay tribute, stating: “This is not goodbye, but see you later Rozza”.
“You were loved by all and will be forever missed. Such a tragedy to take you from this world so soon. Rest in peace brother.”
Mr McGuire reportedly left behind a wife and two children, aged 11 and nine, with friends of the family mourning the loss.
Family friend Valerie Beaver wrote on social media under a post by brother Angus that she couldn’t “believe that Rory has gone”.
“You boys, along with your mum and Dad, have been part of our family for over 20 years through the friendship of table tennis,” she said,
Katie Turner also said Mr McGuire was “was always one of my favourite humans (who) could always make me smile”.
“Will never forget that cheeky grin. Feel very blessed to have called him my friend for over 40 years,” she said.
“Thank you for the memories Rozza. So sorry for your loss. Sending you all so much love at this tragic time.”
Queensland police said on Tuesday they had yet to formally identify Mr McGuire and that he had resurfaced once before disappearing.
His death marks the latest in a string of horror drownings in the Sunshine State, including three killed after a boat capsized on Boxing Day.
The loss is particular severe for the Perth community who have lost five people this week to drownings, including two young children.
Sonny Skrzypek, six, and his four-year-old Kiwi cousin Eddie Lawrence drowned in a swimming hole in New Zealand on December 29.
On New Year’s Eve, a further two children – aged six and four – were found unresponsive in Swan River and were pronounced dead in hospital.