Three men are “fortunate to be alive” after their fishing dinghy sank off the coast of Cremorne in the state’s south, on Sunday morning.
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Tasmania Police co-ordinated an “urgent” search after receiving a triple-0 call about 9am.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, two police boats, five uniform land units, Surf Lifesaving Australia volunteers and members of the public were involved in the search.
Because the triple-0 caller was unable to provide his exact location, the search parties spread out across Frederick Henry Bay, Storm Bay, and Black Jack Rocks.
The men were soon found by a nearby boat, in the water between Cape Deslacs and North West Head on Black Jack shore.
They were aged in their 20s and 30s, and were all wearing lifejackets.
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Senior Constable Callum Herbert from Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Services thanked the public for its assistance with the search.
“We held grave fears for the lives of the men when the incident was reported and in this circumstance they were incredibly fortunate to have been rescued as quickly as they were,” Senior Constable Herbert said.
The rescued men told police they had set out fishing from Cremorne on Sunday morning, but their dinghy started to take on water.
It became swamped, and sank “within a matter of minutes”.
The men were treated by ambulance officers when they returned to shore, and one was taken to hospital to be treated for exposure.
Tasmania Police took the opportunity to remind Tasmanians of the following safety points, when boating:
- Always plan your trip and advise people of your destination and time of return.
- Always carry appropriate and well maintained safety equipment aboard vessels. Details of these are available on the MAST website.
- All PFDs should comply with Tasmanian Standards and users and owners of inflatable PFDs should familiarise themselves with their operation and have them serviced regularly.
- When buying a vessel it should be thoroughly examined for seaworthiness and if in doubt seek professional advice.
- Carry mobile phones in a waterproof cover or invest in a waterproof VHF radio.