Two men have died after getting into trouble in the Never Never River at Gleniffer, north of Bellingen on the NSW Mid North Coast, in a tragedy that unfolded on the evening of Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Emergency services were called to John Locke Place about 6.45 pm after reports of people struggling in the water. NSW Police were told three men, all believed to be in their 30s, began to struggle shortly after entering the river. Two men were pulled from the water but could not be revived and were pronounced dead at the scene.
A third man, aged 33, was pulled from the water and taken to Coffs Harbour Health Campus with minor injuries, where he remains in a stable condition. A 31-year-old pregnant woman, believed to be a friend of the group, was also taken to the hospital after being treated for shock and is in a stable condition.
Police have established a crime scene and will prepare a report for the coroner.
While police have not publicly released the identities of the men, community members have identified them to The Australia Today as Sachin and Sahil.
Friends said the group had entered what they believed was shallow water before a sudden current swept the men away. Family and supporters say Sahil leaves behind a wife who is seven months pregnant. They also say Sachin’s fiancée attempted to help and was later hospitalised with serious injuries. The families have appealed for support, saying both men’s fathers are critically unwell and the households face significant financial strain. (These family details have not been confirmed by police.)
A GoFundMe fundraising appeal has also been established under the title “Support to repatriate Sachin & Sahil and help their families”, organised by Sunita, seeking community support to:
- repatriate both bodies to India
- cover repatriation and funeral costs
- assist the families amid ongoing medical and financial pressures, including reported illness affecting both fathers and the hospitalisation of Sachin’s fiancée
The tragedy has renewed warnings about the risks at popular river swimming spots, even in areas locals often describe as calm. Media reports noted the Never Never River has grown in popularity as a destination for day-trippers and holidaymakers, particularly over summer and long weekends.
Authorities have repeatedly urged people visiting waterways to take precautions, including assessing conditions before entering, avoiding swimming after heavy rain or when water is fast-moving, and staying close to the bank in unfamiliar locations. They also advise groups to avoid entering the water late in the day, and to call 000 immediately if someone is in trouble.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this tragedy and needs support, help is available through Lifeline (13 11 14).
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