JUST six months ago, Mohsin Awan waved goodbye to his home country of Pakistan, seizing the opportunity of a lifetime to study in Australia.
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It was an adventure that was all about embracing his new home, getting to know its people and its places, and arming himself with a degree that would set himself up for life.
Tragically, worst fears were confirmed on Wednesday after water police found the 23-year-old's lifeless body about one kilometre from Newcastle beach, ending a search that started on Sunday night when the international student was swept from Nobbys Beach in large surf.
Mr Awan had been doing what he had done for the past six months: taking in the sights of Newcastle, and there was nothing more quintessentially Newcastle than Nobbys.
“He loved the beach,” said housemate Usman Ghani.
“Where he’s from, Lahore, there’s no water, so he was really excited whenever he could get to the beach.
“He always wanted to explore.
“He was just so nice all the time, he was always wanting to get out and have fun.”
Abdul Jabbar also paid tribute to his friend’s sense of adventure, and said Newcastle’s Pakistani community was struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
“We’re just trying to forget today,” he said.
“He was very well-liked, so kind, the most welcome person wherever he went.
“He was very talkative, not shy at all, adventurous, always trying to make other people laugh.”
Mr Jabbar said Mr Awan, who was studying a three-year business degree at the University of Newcastle, was proud to be educated in Australia. “It meant a lot to him, it means a lot to any student visiting Australia,” he said. “He wanted to explore, he wanted to visit as many places as he could. He was so adventurous … always making plans with his friends, asking whether they were free.”
Mr Awan, who was said to be a competent swimmer by his friends, was swept out to sea from Soldiers Baths, at the southern end of Nobbys.
He was taking photographs with his friend, Mohsin Javed, also 23, when a large wave suddenly crashed down on them, dragging them both into a rip.
Beachgoers attempted to rescue the duo, but could only pull Mr Javed back to safety.
Nobbys Surf Lifesaving Club director of lifesaving Brad Thomas said the drowning was a tragic reminder of the dangers of the beach.
“Especially the southern corner, it can seem protected but then a large wave comes through and it’s unsafe,” he said. “Even the best swimmers can be caught by surprise.”
Mr Thomas extended his sympathies to Mr Awan’s family and friends.
“On behalf of everyone at Nobbys surf club, our hearts go out,” he said.
