Abalone diver Toby Hoskin recalls moment his arm was engulfed by boat propeller

A second-generation abalone diver from Geelong is facing a long recovery after a horror accident in the waters off the Great Ocean Road earlier this month.

Toby Hoskin with his three youngest children, Eden, Sophie and Flynn. Picture: Supplied.

A Geelong man fears he will never be able to work again following an accident that saw his arm “shredded” by a boat propeller.

Toby Hoskin had returned to the surface after diving for abalone off Port Campbell a fortnight ago when the propeller caught his right hand, drawing his entire arm in and causing the motor to stall.

The accident caused horrific injuries that include severed nerves and a bicep that was “torn in half”.

He was rushed to Warrnambool hospital before being transferred to Geelong.

The Highton father-of-five returned to Geelong hospital on Friday to speak with specialists.

The arm is currently in a cast from his shoulder to his wrist and he has been told to expect at least two more surgeries.

“Mentally, I’m pretty stuffed at the moment,” Mr Hoskin said.

“It keeps going through my head, how it happened, what could have happened. that kind of thing.

“But also the future outlook, I’ve got no (insurance) cover of any sort … I just don’t know what I’m doing and when or if I’ll be able to get back (abalone) diving.”

Mr Hoskin followed his father, Dave, into the industry when he was just 13 years old.

“It’s all I’ve ever done,” he said.

Fellow abalone diver Greg Staples described his friend of 30 years as a “loveable larrikin”.

Mr Staples, along with other industry veterans, has launched a fundraiser in an effort to ease the financial burden on Mr Hoskin during his recovery.

Launched a week ago, the fundraiser has already raised more than $9000.

“We all love him,” Mr Staples said.

“I’ve been on the phone to probably a dozen abalone industry people just today … the family is known well in Tasmania, I’ve noticed there’s some money coming in from there.

“The whole family is loved by the industry.”

Mr Hoskin, who turned 50 in November, said he was humbled by the help.

“It’s unreal, I’m so thankful,” he said.

Originally published as Abalone diver Toby Hoskin recalls moment his arm was engulfed by boat propeller