Police and volunteer resources were “wasted” on Wednesday afternoon, after boat users failed to report a capsizing and abandoned their vessel.
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The unmanned dinghy at Georges Bay, St Helens, sparked a call to Tasmania Police about 1pm and, under the guidance of officers, members of the town’s volunteer marine rescue service towed it ashore.
Inspector Michael Johnston said an examination of the vessel provided “considerable evidence” to suggest a fishing trip had ended in tragedy.
A full-scale search began.
An esky of beer and a pair of thongs were found floating nearby, while fishing gear, a burley bucket and tackle bags were found on the boat.
The rescue boat identified two items in the water, deep below the dinghy, which Inspector Johnston said had the potential to be bodies.
That is when the PV Van Dieman and its dive crew were brought in.
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The Van Dieman had been patrolling at Flinders Island when it was redirected, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was mobilised to the area, along with “numerous” police and volunteer craft.
Ground crews were tasked to check nearby camp sites and boat ramps for the boat owner’s vehicle and trailer.
They were found about 4.30pm near Dora Point.
Campers in the area told police four men had difficulty on the water, abandoned their boat, and swam to shore.
The men, aged in their 20s and 30s from Northern Tasmania, told police the boat took on water from a wave and sank.
“Unfortunately, in their eagerness to get back on with their lives they overlooked notifying any authorities about what had occurred, leaving a hazardous object floating in the bay and, of course, causing us to launch a full-scale search for them,” Inspector Johnston said.
“It was a significant cost to the organisation and you can’t put a price on saving a life at the end of the day … what it is about though is the waste of resources.
“There could have been a genuine rescue needed, somebody in serious danger of losing their life or being harmed, and those resources would have been tied up and unable to respond.”
The men did not require medical attention and spent the afternoon snorkeling until they were found, Inspector Johnston said.
“At this stage I understand there has been no remorse shown,” he said.
Police are investigating whether charges will be laid.