Paradise Point boat death: Victim confirmed as Gold Coast local as police launch investigation

Police have revealed what they believe happened to cause a 51-year-old Gold Coast man to lose his life in a tragic boating accident yesterday.

Police have confirmed a man skippering a boat who died after falling from his vessel on the Gold Coast is a Hollywell resident.

Queensland Water Police confirmed the victim’s residency and said the next of kin had been informed.

Speaking to the media on Thursday Gold Coast police chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said police are investigating the incident.

Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Steve Holland

“At the moment we believe that his clothing may have become entangled in the motor,” Supt Wheeler said.

“We don’t know what the cause of death is yet, that’s still subject to investigation we are preparing a report for the coroner.”

Police revealed witnesses on a nearby boat retrieved the man from the water at South Stradbroke Island after he had fallen overboard while manoeuvring his vessel around 5.30pm on Wednesday.

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The crew performed CPR on the man and transported him to a jetty at Bruce Ave at Paradise Point where emergency services attended.

Paramedics responded and assessed the man who was in a critical condition, but rescue efforts were unsuccessful.

A short time later, around 6pm, police were called to the scene where the 51-year-old had died.