Two Ravenswood men have been rescued from the water after their boat capsized off Akaroa, near St Helens on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 69-year-old father and his 47-year-old son were collecting cray pots in the area when their more than five-metre boat was swamped by a wave over the stern.
The vessel capsized after a second wave.
Both men had life jackets on and were able to grab hold of their boat.
About an hour later a recreational fisherman spotted the pair, rescued them from the water and called emergency services.
IN OTHER NEWS
Ambulance Tasmania paramedics treated the men for non-life threatening injuries.
Tasmania Police Acting Sergeant Matt Lovell said the incident was a timely reminder for boat operators to remain vigilant over the summer period and to not enter into sea conditions that exceed the capabilities of skippers and boats.
“This incident is a prime example to boat users of how important it is to have safety gear on-board and in serviceable order,” he said.
“Had these men not been wearing life jackets this morning it could have been a very different outcome.”
Police urge anyone planning on boating this summer to:
- Always wear a life jacket when on a boat or personal watercraft e.g. jet ski;
- Know where the flares and EPIRB are stored in case you need them in an emergency;
- Check the weather conditions prior to planning a day on the water;
- Never enter sea conditions that exceed the capabilities of skippers and vessels;
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you anticipate to return;
- Remember that alcohol and boating don’t mix, so stay under 0.05.