“This is an unbelievable tragedy that touches all our hearts,” he said.

“Our heartfelt sympathy as a community goes out to all affected, particularly family, friends and colleagues.

“I also pay tribute to the police and ambulance officers and to the volunteer surf lifesavers who worked so hard trying to save the young family.”

Cr Allen said long-term Tathra resident Kevin Cole was a keen student of the Tathra Wharf’s history and had not uncovered any evidence of earlier drownings from the structure, even in the days when it was a loading wharf.

“There were a couple of drownings when people were was hed off the wharf road by freak waves when there was a south-east swell but nothing off the actual wharf,” he said.

Council’s general manager, Peter Tegart has added his condolences and those of staff to the grieving family.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out them all and particularly to two of our staff members who are grandfather and uncle of the two little boys,” he said.