Harold Holt, who had served as Australia's Prime Minister since 1966, went for a swim at Cheviot Beach, near Portsea in Victoria. It was a warm summer day, and Holt, an avid swimmer, decided to take a dip in the ocean after having lunch with friends. Though he was a strong swimmer, the conditions of the water were treacherous, with strong currents and undertows reported that day. During his swim, he was seen by several friends on the beach but soon disappeared from view. His friends raised the alarm, and search efforts commenced swiftly. However, despite extensive rescue operations that continued for days, including aerial reconnaissance and local fishing boats, no signs of Holt were ever discovered.The event prompted an outpouring of attention from the media and the public alike. Conspiracy theories began to circulate, suggesting various scenarios, including that Holt may have faked his own death to escape political pressures. In the wake of his disappearance, Holt was officially declared presumed drowned. The Australian government, under Holt's Deputy Prime Minister John McEwen, faced the challenge of maintaining political stability amidst uncertainty. Holt’s disappearance had lasting effects on the Liberal Party and the political landscape of Australia, leading to a leadership change shortly thereafter.