The Powells, who were active volunteers and members of the club, responded to the incident with Mr Phillip Younis, who was a captain of the Port Campbell Country Fire Association and a life member of the club.
The trio launched out at about 11.10am on the Pelican, the name of their rescue boat.
But during the rescue attempt in rough sea conditions, the vessel’s motor encountered issues.
At around 11.25am, a wave crashed into the boat, capsizing it and tossing the trio into the water.
Mr Younis suffered a fractured and dislocated pelvis in the incident, and was unable to help the Powells, who he saw were floating motionless and face down in the water.
Mr Younis was later rescued and airlifted to a hospital.
By some chance, the capsized Pelican had drifted in the water near Mr Sanjay, who was then able to grab hold of a line attached to the boat.
He was also able to grab hold of a life jacket that was thrown into the water by other rescuers from above the cliff he was dangerously close to.
After spending almost 1.5 hours in the water, he was rescued by helicopter at around 11.50am and taken to the hospital by paramedics.
The bodies of the Powells had drifted to a nearby cove and they were recovered from the water at around 1pm.
Victoria Deputy State Coroner Caitlin English noted in her findings that no criminal charges have been pursued.
However, she said Mr Sanjay’s actions had risked not just his own life.
“Despite warning signs, (Mr Sanjay), like many others who visit this country, entered the water,” she said.
“While Australian-born beach users have the dangers and risks of swimming in unpatrolled beaches continually drilled into them from a young age, many tourists or new arrivals have no such knowledge or appreciation of how treacherous our waters can be.
“They subsequently not only risk their own lives when entering the water, but they risk the lives of their rescuers.”
Australian news outlet The Standard reported that the coroner also adopted recommendations that Mr Younis, Mr Andrew Powell, Mr Ross Powell and another first responder receive bravery awards for their efforts.
“I acknowledge the impact of this tragedy on the Port Campbell community and responding emergency personnel,” said the coroner.
“I commend each of the volunteers and responding emergency personnel for their heroic actions on this tragic day.”
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