Somerton Park man, 80, dies in a suspected drowning at Port Lincoln on a Calypso Star Charters tour
The tragic death of a sightseer on a local charter boat experience has shocked the Port Lincoln community as investigations into what unfolded continue.
Port Lincoln
Don't miss out on the headlines from Port Lincoln. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An elderly charter boat passenger has died in a suspected drowning at Port Lincoln Tuesday afternoon.
The 80 year old Somerton Park man was unable to be revived despite the desperate efforts of those who pulled him unconscious from the ocean.
A Calypso Star Charters employee confirmed the visitor had been on a tour at the time of the incident.
Andrew Right, co-owner of the award-winning tourism provider which specialises in shark cage diving and swim with seals experiences, refused to comment on the matter saying he would make a statement in the coming days.
Port Lincoln Council chief executive Matthew Morgan labelled the incident “tragic”.
“Our thoughts are with everyone involved,” Mr Morgan said.
“We are confident the relevant authorities and the operator will work through the investigation to understand what happened.”
Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula tourism development manager Annabelle Hender could not comment if the death would impact tourism ahead of the summer season.
The alarm was raised just before 4pm with police called to the Port Lincoln Marina after reports an unconscious man was pulled from the ocean and onto a boat.
At around 7.15pm on Tuesday evening, police and crime scene investigators visited the marina where the tour boat had docked and a body was seen being removed and placed into the back of a vehicle.
Neighbouring business, the Port Lincoln Marina Hotel overlooks Calypso’s docks with manager Steve Buckland said the area was busy with emergency services but had not witnessed the tragic incident unfold.
“We just heard a man had been pulled from the water when they were out swimming with the seals near Hopkins Island,” Mr Buckland said.
The details surrounding his death are still yet to be confirmed, however the incident is not considered suspicious.
Port Lincoln police will now prepare a report for the coroner.
Surprising suburbs where homes are most at risk
Cost of living and high interest rates are pushing SA households to the brink, the latest mortgage stress data shows. Search the suburbs most at risk.
Read more
Exposed: The unprofessional lawyers disciplined in SA
Misleading a client, misappropriating trust money or failing to meet regulatory requirements, these lawyers have been found guilty of professional misconduct. See who ended up in hot water.
Read more