A man’s body has been located off The Gardens on Tasmania’s east coast during the search for a missing diver this morning.
Inspector Luke Manhood said emergency services were alerted to the missing man shortly after 8pm on Monday night after he did not return to the group he was diving with.
He said the man in his 30s was from Western Australia and was diving with the group, including his brother, around 50 metres from shore.
“A search effort involving the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and local volunteers was launched yesterday evening and recommenced at first light this morning,” Manhood said.
“Sadly a man’s body was located underwater a short time ago, in the vicinity of where the group had been diving.”
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones, and formal identification will be completed in due course.”
Police divers are continuing to search the area as the man was found without all his gear.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Search underway as diver missing for 10+ hours on state’s east coast
Police and search and rescue teams are currently scouring The Gardens area near St Helens on the state’s east coast for a missing diver this morning.
The man, believed to be in his 30s and possibly from interstate, was part of a group of six who went diving around 6:30pm on Monday.
The group alerted authorities after the man did not return to shore with them at around 8pm last night.
Rescue teams, local police and a rescue helicopter are continuing the search.
