Updated – Sunday, 5:30pm: Police say searchers located a recreational vessel off shore from The Gardens in the Bay of Fires area around 4:50pm.
“Two men were waving for assistance from the boat. A short time later the RV Georges Bay from St Helens Marine Rescue came to their aid,” a police spokesperson said.
“The men are currently being escorted to shore where they will be medically assessed.”
Earlier: Emergency services have launched a search operation for a reported boat in distress off Tasmania’s east coast.
A marine rescue vessel and helicopter were deployed on Sunday afternoon following reports of a possible boat on fire north of Binalong Bay.
Police received the alert at approximately 1:45pm, with the distress signal indicating the vessel was located north of Binalong Bay and east of Cosy Corner.
Authorities are now appealing to the public for additional information to assist with the search effort.
“Anyone who was on a boat in that area today or has information about a possible boat fire or smoke in the area is urged to contact police,” a police spokesperson said.
Members of the public with relevant information are asked to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number ESCAD 214-01022026.
