A Chinese exchange student who tragically while free-diving in Tasmania over a year ago died accidentally when his foot got caught in his spearfishing line, a coroner has ruled.
Coroner Robert Webster has revealed that the Year 10 student from Taroona High School was swimming with friends at Lighthouse Bay, South Bruny on November 7 2021 when the accident occurred.
The official cause of death was determined to be drowning after a limited autopsy was conducted. A toxicology report revealed no traces of alcohol or illicit drugs.
According to Mr. Webster, the boy became suspended under four to five metres of water “after he dove to free his spear which had been fired and caught in rocks on the sea floor”.
Despite paramedics being called, the 16-year-old student died at the scene and his body was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Mr. Webster described free-diving as a hazardous and unregulated leisure activity.
He recommended that participants never dive alone and undertake a course prior as a safety measure.
He also suggested that individuals should be aware of the risks and to take the necessary precautions to avoid such tragic accidents in the future.
