A functioning shotgun has been pulled from the Huon River by police divers during a training exercise.
The Tasmania Police Dive Squad made the discovery on September 15 while carrying out routine training near the jetty at Flat Rock in Ranelagh.
Inspector Colin Riley said the weapon appeared to be in working order despite being submerged.
“During the course of the training, divers located an apparently functional shotgun submerged in the water,” he said.
“The firearm has been seized and will undergo forensic examination as part of routine inquiries.”
Riley said police were concerned the weapon could have been found by recreational magnet fishers, a hobby that has grown increasingly popular in recent years.
“… Police are thankful that this weapon was recovered before potentially falling into the wrong hands,” he said.
It remains unclear how long the shotgun had been in the river or whether it was deliberately dumped.
Police have used the find to remind Tasmanians about the state’s permanent firearms amnesty, which allows people to hand in unwanted or unregistered weapons at any police station without prosecution.
“The safety of our community is our priority,” Riley said. “We encourage anyone in possession of unwanted or illegal firearms to take advantage of the amnesty.”
