Rescuer relives harrowing moment he pulled dying teenage girl from water after devastating Australia Day boat tragedy – as her grieving family breaks their silence

A witness has recalled his frantic efforts to save the life of a teenage girl killed in a horrific boating accident on Australia Day, as her heartbroken younger brother pays tribute to his big sister.

Darcy Sutherland, 16, was in one of two cans, both driven by 16-year-old boys, that collided near the Grays Point boat ramp, in Sydney's south, shortly after 10.15am on Friday.

Ms Sutherland was thrown into the water and spent up to five minutes face down in the water before onlookers began performing CPR, witnesses claim.

Paramedics frantically tried to resuscitate the teenager on the coast before she was rushed to St George Hospital in Kogarah in Sydney's south-east, where she later died.

Scott Edwards witnessed the accident and was one of several bystanders who rushed to pull the teen from the water and return her to shore.

Mr Edwards said he was still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

“It was extremely difficult to watch,” he wrote on Facebook.

“I did everything I could to save her life.”

Despite online speculation that speed could have been a factor in the accident, Mr Edwards said this was not the case at all.

'None of the boats involved were speeding or blaring. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention,” he said.

'[It was] just a tragic accident.

“My heart goes out to Darcy's family.”

Meanwhile, Darcy's younger brother Zayn has paid tribute to the beloved teenager, while friends flocked to Ms Sutherland's TikTok page to send their condolences to the family.

“God bless you sis,” Zayn wrote, alongside a heart emoji, in the comments section of her most recent video.

Ms Sutherland's cousin Finley Docherty shared a video of photos of the pair together when they were younger.

He described her as the “best cousin in the world” and said she would “stay in my heart forever.”

“I don't want to say goodbye because this means forever,” the video script read.

“Now you're in the stars, six feet has never felt so far.”

Friend Amelie said Mrs Sutherland always looked after her.

“I will never forget the times you helped me,” she wrote.

'I will love you forever. Rest in peace, my beautiful girl.'

“It will always be the most beautiful,” another friend wrote.

Meanwhile, a Grays Point Facebook page said the “entire community is shocked by the tragedy.”

It shared a link to one GoFundMe page for Ms Sutherland's family, which has already raised more than $20,000.

“We know everyone is feeling a little helpless and don't know what to say to those affected – here's a way to contribute to the beautiful Darcy's family to show your support,” the fundraiser creator wrote.

'We have received numerous requests about how we can help and we are creating this page to help the family with the necessary arrangements.

“Thank you for your love and support and coming to assist the family during this difficult time.”

Donors left messages of support for the Sutherland family.

“I am heartbroken that this beautiful girl is gone too soon,” one person wrote.

“I pray that your family may find the strength to live with their forever broken hearts and keep your memory alive. Rest beautiful girl.'

The GoFundMe link was shared by the Miranda Magpies FC football club.

“Yesterday's tragedy on the water has affected our Magpies family,” the message read.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Sutherland family at this very difficult time.”

Distraught witnesses could be seen hugging and comforting each other as paramedics worked to revive Ms Sutherland on Friday.

The two 16-year-old boys driving the two ships were taken to St George Hospital for mandatory tests.

The boats have been seized for investigation and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.