Tributes flow for Chinese exchange student who drowned at Bruny

A teenager who drowned while snorkelling off the coast of South Bruny has been identified as a Year 10 Chinese exchange student. LATEST >>

A teenager who drowned while snorkelling off the coast of South Bruny has been identified as a Year 10 Chinese exchange student.

Rui Xuan Han, known to his friends as Harry Han, was snorkelling with friends near Lighthouse Bay on Sunday when the disaster struck.

Taroona High School principal Matt Benell broke the sad news to students, parents, and staff in a school-wide email circulated on Monday.

“We are deeply saddened by his death and our thoughts are with his homestay family and his family in China,” Mr Bennell Wrote.

“I, like you, will be thinking of Rui Xuan’s family and friends during this tragic and difficult time.”

Lighthouse Bay at Bruny Island. Credit: Adam Gibson.

In the email he urged parents to keep an eye on what their children see and post on social media regarding Mr Han’s death.

Emergency services were initially called to the scene around 2.45pm on Sunday following reports of a swimmer in trouble near Lighthouse Beach.

Bruny Island ambulance, police, and a rescue helicopter pulled Mr Han’s body from the ocean, but they were unable to revive him.

A Tasmanian Police spokesperson said it was a tragic turn of events.

“Our thoughts are with the male’s family and friends.”

If you have been affected by this article, you can call Lifeline on 131 114, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or Headspace on 1800 650 890.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Chinese exchange student who drowned at Bruny