A surfer and a friend who tried to rescue him both died off Frankston Pier near Melbourne during stormy conditions, police reported.

The incident occurred Wednesday as wind gusts reached 130 kph (81 mph), breaking the surfer’s board and leaving him struggling in the water.

A 43-year-old local attempted a rescue, but despite a police helicopter recovery, neither man survived.

One emergency responder was briefly hospitalized after ingesting water but has since been discharged, the AP has reported.

Authorities warned the public against entering the water during unsafe conditions, as the storms also caused widespread power outages and downed trees across Victoria.