‘Devastating’: Body of missing swimmer found at Collie’s Black Diamond Lake

The desperate search for a 33-year-old man who went missing while swimming at a popular South West lake on Christmas Day ended in tragedy.

Officers were called to Black Diamond Lake in Allanson, about seven kilometres west of Collie, at 2pm on Sunday December 25 after his frantic partner reported him missing.

Police say the Taiwanese national, who had been living in Perth for four years, was swimming in the lake with his partner and friends when it’s believed he got into some trouble in the water.

“There were no signs of any struggle and he appeared to be swimming ok,” Acting Senior Sergeant Alan Dean said.

“He had an average swimming capacity and had already swum from one side of the lake to the other.”

Officers and visitors to the lake spent Sunday evening looking for the man - with members of the public using their kayaks and stand-up boards to aid in the search.

Local resident Mark Dennis was swimming at Black Diamond Lake when the man went missing.

He said he did not hear any yelling or commotion. “No one saw him go under, he just disappeared,” Mr Dennis said.

He said about five police officers helped search for the man on Sunday, along with other attendees “on their paddle boats”.

“Even I had a look for him - I couldn’t find him either,” Mr Dennis said.

The search was abandoned at 6pm and police divers were called in Monday morning to search for his body.

He was located in the water that afternoon.

Acting Snr. Sgt Dean thanked the public for their assistance and gave condolences to the man’s partner, family and friends.

“Naturally his partner and friends were all devastated - but the support they received from the community members out there and the officers here provided them with care and attention and has certainly helped them throughout this time.”

Mr Dennis described the ordeal as a “very sad” event.

“It’s Christmas Day, you don’t really expect something like that to happen,” he said.

Black Diamond Lake is a favourite selfie spot for the Instagram set, with thousands flocking there every year to enjoy the stunning aquamarine waters set amongst the South West bushland.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.