For Stephen Duggan, September 27, 1996 started out like any other Friday but when the news of a coastal cliff collapse reached his family farm, he did not hesitate to act.
Driving down to his local beach, racing across the sand, Mr Duggan and his friend John dug for hours with their bare hands, searching for survivors.
Thirty years ago, students, teachers and parents flocked to Huzza's Beach for an inter-school surfing competition in Gracetown, 271 kilometres south of Perth.
Inclement weather saw people take shelter under the cliffs killing five adults and four children.
The sole survivor of the incident was 11-year-old Sara Otto.
Mr Duggan was one of the people who discovered her under the rubble and saved her life.
Mr Duggan recalls the large risks taken on by community members who raced to help in the search.
Skye Thompson's father, Lindsay, was among those who died.
"After 30 years, there are only a few memories that stick."
Ms Thompson was just 12 and competing at the surfing competition in Gracetown, on Western Australia's south-western coast, when her world changed forever.
Cowaramup Bay Boardriders Association president Ian Andreson said the incident sent shock waves through the surfing community.
Mr Anderson said he had seen grandchildren of those who died in the collapse compete in the event.