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Search Finds Body After North-West Tasmania Boat Breaks Up

Police are probing a suspected vessel failure with attention on life-jacket use.

Overview

  • Police located the body of a 36-year-old man on the eastern side of Robbins Island just after 1pm, with authorities saying he is believed to be Ben Haines.
  • Four people left the Montagu boat ramp on a fishing trip when the vessel broke up around nightfall and threw everyone into the water.
  • Two adults and a six-year-old were found near Bird or Big Stoney Island by a volunteer and taken to North West Regional Hospital, and police said they were not physically injured.
  • Rescuers reported that the three survivors wore life jackets, and police said the man who died had removed his at some point.
  • Search efforts drew the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, marine rescue vessels, search-and-rescue planes, and private boats, and the Circular Head community has begun support for those affected.