There was a close call at the Bay of Fires on Tasmania’s East Coast this morning when a boat carrying three fisherman was swamped by waves and capsized.
The men, who were out retrieving rock lobster pots near The Gardens in their 14-foot runabout, encountered a set of waves approximately 200 meters from the boat ramp, leading to their vessel being overwhelmed and overturned.
Police say thankfully all three occupants were wearing life jackets and remained in the water for about 20 minutes before being rescued by a nearby vessel.
Senior Sergeant Justin Bidgood of St Helens Police confirmed that the police vessel, Protector IV, along with another nearby boat, assisted in recovering the capsized boat and safely returning it to the boat ramp.
“This is a good reminder to all boat users that sea conditions can change quickly, and when nearby reefs and coastal waters, waves can vary in size with little notice.”
The importance of wearing properly fitted, approved life jackets was also underscored as a key safety measure.
The incident has been reported to Marine and Safety Tasmania.
