Geelong boating tragedy victim, Corio dad Marty Rowe, remembered in touching tributes
Members of a Geelong boat club have taken to social media paying homage to Corio dad Marty Rowe after his drowning death, including one who considered him “one of my sons”.
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A Corio father has been remembered as a man with an “irrepressible smile” who “loved sailing” after he drowned on Tuesday night in a horrific boating tragedy.
Marty Rowe was on a small dinghy with a mate when the pair hit rough conditions on Corio Bay.
Their boat capsized and while his mate from Corio, 46, was able to swim to a nearby yacht to clamour on-board, Mr Rowe was not as lucky.
His body was found in waters near Griffin Gully Pier along The Esplanade on Wednesday morning.
The 45-year-old was a member of the Western Beach Boat Club, located close by to where the father lost his life.
In a letter to members, management wrote it was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and club member Marty Rowe”.
“He was humorous, optimistic and had an irrepressible smile,” the letter read.
“We extend our condolences to his family and all of his friends within the community.”
The Geelong Advertiser understands that Mr Rowe was a father to four children, the youngest under two-years-old, and was a painter by trade.
Friends have taken to Facebook since Wednesday to offer their condolences.
One woman wrote: “Today is a very painful and difficult day for me.”
“Today I tragically lost someone I considered as one of my sons,” she continued.
“You loved sailing and water and that’s where you ended up.
“Sail to infinity, and let the best winds blow for you.
“Marty Rowe you will always remain in my heart.”
Another post read: “Shattered to hear of the loss of our friend and sailing mate Marty Rowe in tragic accident yesterday.”
A Victoria Police spokesman said the incident is a “tragic reminder that highlights the importance of wearing personal flotation devices”.
Investigations are ongoing.
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Originally published as Geelong boating tragedy victim, Corio dad Marty Rowe, remembered in touching tributes
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