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Three people have died and a woman has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after the group was pulled from the surf at an unpatrolled beach near a popular Victorian holiday spot.
The group struck trouble at Forest Caves, Phillip Island, about 149 kilometres south-east of Melbourne about 3.30pm today.
All four swimmers were all pulled from the water unresponsive and given CPR, but three were pronounced dead at the scene.
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Among the dead are a man in his 40s and two women in their 20s.
A third woman, also believed to be in her 20s, has been airlifted to The Alfred in a critical condition.
Lifeguards, police, and Ambulance Victoria were on scene.
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The deceased have not been formally identified and their deaths are not being treated as suspicious.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Forest Caves is a popular tourist destination at Phillip Island with sea caves that have been formed by erosion of the cliffs.
The destination is a popular attraction for hikers and swimmers and can only be accessed at low tide.
The area is susceptible to changing tides and waves.
