A body has been recovered after a boating mishap near Marion Bay, in Tasmania’s south-east.
Police said around 11.45 am on Wednesday, four people were onboard a 4.5-metre fibreglass half-cabin runabout when it got into difficulty in the Marion Narrows waterway.
“Initial suggestions were that the boat had capsized, we now know that the boat appears to have a wave or some chop from another vessel and that has then caused three of the four occupants to be thrown into the water,” Commander Jason Elmer said.
“A nearby vessel has come to the aid of the persons in the water and two males were taken from the water,” Commander Elmer said.
He said the third person in the water “couldn’t initially be located”.
A large-scale search and rescue operation was then launched to find the fourth person, a Tasmanian woman in her seventies, police said.
She was located deceased a short time later.
“This is a tragic outcome, and our thoughts and condolences go to their family,” Commander Elmer said.
“And we also wish to thank those members of the public who came to assist.”
Police said the four adults were all known to each other and were enjoying a day on the water.
“They were wearing personal flotation devices so they were adhering to all safety requirements … this is a tragic accident,” Commander Elmer said.
“This appears to be a freak accident where they’ve been thrown into the water.”
Two of the people involved were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The investigation is ongoing.