A 42 year old male and 47 year old woman were successfully rescued yesterday after their boat, a small tinny, capsized near ‘the Carbuncle’ off Hawley Beach.
The pair had been fishing near Spy Island when their boat tipped about 12:30pm.
While they pair were both wearing life vests, they were unable to access other safety equipment due to the boat sinking, and unable to swim to shore due to strong tides.
They were about 2km from shore, and remained in the water for approximately 90 minutes before two kayakers heard their cries for help and were able to alert authorities at 2pm.
The rescue helicopter was deployed, along with vessels from the Port Sorell Surf Life Saving Club and Marine Rescue Ulverstone, and several civilian vessels.
The pair were successfully rescued and returned to the Port Sorell Boat Ramp where they were treated by paramedics.
The boat was successfully recovered and towed back to the Port Sorell Boat Ramp.
Senior Sergeant James Scicluna said the situation could have ended differently had the pair not been wearing life jackets.
“The pair were carrying all required safety equipment for boating in sheltered waters. Although it is not mandatory, Tasmania Police would strongly recommend all boaters carry an EPIRB which would have raised the alarm much sooner,” he said.
“I have only gratitude for all members of the public who assisted in the rescue of the pair. This includes the kayakers, civilian and maritime vessels who immediately headed to the area and the volunteers from both the Port Sorell Surf Life Saving Club and the Ulverstone Maritime Rescue.
“The willingness of people to volunteer their time and resources resulted in a very successful rescue to which we can only say thank you.”
