5-Year-Old Girl Dies In Lake Macquarie House Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

The death of a little girl in a house fire has left the Swansea Heads community in shock.

Around 40 firefighters, police and ambulance crews were called to Northcote Avenue around 1.30am yesterday afternoon (Thursday 20 August, 2026) to find the home engulfed in flames.

An elderly woman in her 80's was taken to hospital with serious burns, while the body of the 5-year-old girl was later found in the burnt out home.

A second child living at the home was not injured.

Police have praised the actions of a teenage boy who lives nearby who tried to gain access to the burning home - he suffered cuts to his leg and was taken to hospital.

Investigators have set up a crime scene and inquiries into the fire continue

Nine Divers Rescued From Sinking Vessel Off Swansea Heads

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue have safely brought nine people to shore after a commercial vessel started taking on water off  Swansea Heads.

The skipper called for help just before 9 yesterday morning and Rescue Vessel Lake Macquarie 30 and 2 rescue jets skis took about 20 minutes to reach the 6 metre craft about 5-and-a-half kilometres off the heads.

Nine divers were transferred onto the rescue vessel and taken back to the Swansea RSL Wharf.

The rescue team returned to the stricken vessel and assisted the skipper, with the boat towed to Blacksmith Boat Ramp.