Father, 46, tried to save his son, 17, before both drowned off coast of Australian tourist hotspot

A British father drowned trying to save his teenage son after a powerful wave struck off the coast of an Australian tourist hotspot.

Robin Reed, 46, and Owen, 17, were at the Great Barrier Reef in water 'no deeper than waist height' when the tragedy unfolded.

Owen was pulled out by an 'unexpected wave' prompting Mr Reed to dive into the water as there were no lifeguards nearby.

Coroner Rose Farmer said at an inquest: 'Mr Reed dived into the water, trying to save Owen and he has then also been swept into the sea.'

A search team later pulled the father and son from the water at Seventeen Seventy, Queensland but they were declared dead at the scene.

The pair, from Blackwood, had travelled from Caerphilly, South Wales, for a holiday when the nightmare took place on April 13.

Their provisional cause of death was given by the hearing in Newport as drowning and the inquest was adjourned.

Shocked friends of Treowen Stars FC, based near Newbridge in Caerphilly, shared a tribute.

Mr Reed (pictured) had travelled from Caerphilly, South Wales, for a holiday when the nightmare unfolded

Owen, 17, and Robin Reed, 46 (pictured) were at the Great Barrier Reef in water 'no deeper than waist height' when the tragedy took place

It read: 'Awful, awful news about Robin Reed and his son Owen. Robin was a good friend to many at Treowen and will be missed.

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences with Robin and Owen's family and friends. 

'Rest in peace both.'

Seventeen Seventy was named after the year Captain James Cook arrived in Australia.

The court heard inquiries were ongoing and the inquest was adjourned until a full hearing on November 12. 

In a previous statement, the Coroners Court of Queensland said: 'The deaths of Mr Robin Reed and his son, Owen have been reported to the Coroners Court of Queensland.

'As the coronial investigations into the deaths are in initial stages, no further information can be released at this time.'

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said it was supporting the families of the tourists.

A tribute read: 'On behalf of Pengam boys and girls and our U13's Pengam football family, we are deeply heartbroken'

Mr Reed dived into the water as there were no lifeguards nearby after a sudden wave pulled Owen in

A third man, from Australia, was airlifted to hospital with serious head injuries.

In a Facebook post, CapRescue, a helicopter emergency response team, said: 'Sunday's mission was a difficult one.

'At 2.17pm, emergency services were called to 1770 after reports three people had been swept out into the ocean.

'Despite the best efforts of all involved, two people tragically lost their lives.

'One patient was transported by air to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a life-threatening condition.'

A spokesman for the FCDO said: 'We are supporting the family of two British nationals who have died in Australia and are in contact with the local authorities.'