Derwent Valley mayor Michelle Dracoulis has expressed her condolences after a swimmer drowned in the Derwent River at New Norfolk on Monday night.
Emergency services recovered the body just after 9:40pm following a two-and-a-half-hour search.
The male swimmer, a 23-year-old Taiwanese national, went missing around 7pm while in the water with friends near the Esplanade pontoon.
Dracoulis last night posted on social media as the search unfolded, describing worried locals gathering at the waterfront in solidarity.
On Tuesday morning, she confirmed the tragic outcome.
“A quiet day after a difficult night,” she wrote.
“Despite tireless efforts by emergency services, we’ve had a sad outcome.”
“A life has been lost after a person entered water at the Esplanade.”
She extended her heartfelt condolences to friends, family and the community.
Tasmania Police said marine search and rescue, a rescue helicopter and police divers were all deployed to the scene.
“Police would like to thank the members of the public that assisted them at the scene,” a spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
