Woman Dies During Sunshine Coast Dive as Police Search for Missing Equipment

A 46-year-old woman has died following a scuba diving incident off Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, with police appealing for assistance in locating equipment that went missing during the incident.

The woman, from Peregian Beach, was diving with family members from a commercial dive boat off Point Cartwright, near Buddina, on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Queensland Police responded shortly after 9am following reports that the woman had been found unconscious in the water. She was confirmed dead at the scene a short time later.

Police have described the death as non-suspicious, although the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Police Appeal for Missing Diving Equipment

Investigators are seeking public assistance to locate the woman’s diving mask and respirator, which were not recovered following the incident.

According to the Queensland Police statement, the missing items are believed to have floated away and could wash ashore along the coastline north of Mooloolaba Beach.

Police have asked anyone who discovers the equipment to notify authorities.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation confirmed that the woman had been diving with her family from a commercial dive boat when the incident occurred. The boat operator was unable to recover the missing equipment.

The police appeal raises the possibility that the items could be recovered by members of the public along the Sunshine Coast in the coming days.

Cause of Death Has Not Been Established

Authorities have not released an official cause of death or confirmed what happened immediately before the woman was discovered unconscious.

There has been no official indication that equipment malfunction contributed to the incident, and the fact that diving equipment remains missing should not be interpreted as evidence of a technical failure.

The recovery of the mask and respirator could provide investigators with additional information as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatality.

Police have not announced whether any further examination of the equipment will be required if the missing items are recovered.

Public Asked to Contact Queensland Police

Anyone who discovers the missing equipment, particularly along beaches north of Mooloolaba, should contact Queensland Police.

Information can be submitted through Queensland Police Policelink.

Members of the public can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers Queensland or by calling 1800 333 000 within Australia.

The Scuba News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates if authorities release further information about the circumstances of the incident.