Deviot man, 66, drowns attempting to save boat

Tasmania Police said the deceased, 66, was the sole occupant of a small vessel not far from his home town when it capsized while he was attempting to secure another vessel whose moorings had reportedly come loose about 2.40pm.

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Inspector Ruth Orr said a witness called Triple-0 to sound the alarm, however, when police officers arrived the man was in the river unconscious.

She said attempts to revive the man, who was wearing a personal flotation device, were made to no avail by police officers and Ambulance Tasmania paramedics.

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In a media statement at 4.45pm on Wednesday, Police said a yacht had reportedly broken loose and people from the shore had entered the water in a small boat in an attempt to secure the vessel.

The exact circumstances surrounding the death are unknown with an investigation to be conducted by the Coroner and Marine and Safety Tasmania.

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"Tasmania Police would like to remind all boat users to be aware of local weather conditions and boat safety when using the water," Inspector Orr said.

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