Woman who drowned at Sunshine Coast beach identified as young doctor

The identity of a young woman who drowned at a popular Sunshine Coast swimming beach in Queensland has been revealed as Sunshine Coast University Hospital staff member Gemma Diessel.

Queensland Police were called to Dicky Beach yesterday around 5.15am after an off-duty lifeguard found the body of a woman clothed in swimmers. 

Authorities later confirmed they believed the 27-year-old woman had gone swimming at an unknown location north of Dicky Beach before getting into trouble in the water.

Adjunct Professor Naomi Dwyer, the CEO of the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, today offered her sympathies to Ms Diessel’s family, friends and work colleagues.

“Our sincere condolences go out to this young woman’s family at this very sad time,” she said in a statement. 

“We also want to support our staff who may be impacted by this very sad and unexpected news. 

“We are providing counselling and support for her peers and colleagues via our confidential Employee Assistance Program.”

Senior sergeant Matt Campbell tesyerdat told reporters that detectives are searching for the woman’s missing mobile phone in the hope it could shed light on the hours leading up to her tragic death.

“As one would imagine, it’s an absolute tragedy, certainly compounded by the fact that it was a young female,” he said.

“What I will seek some community assistance with is finding the phone that belonged to that young girl. 

“We believe that it’s a black S9 Samsung, so if anyone in the Caloundra beach area have come across such an item, we would be seeking to know that.”

A report has been prepared for the Coroner.