Tragic new details emerge on Barwon Heads boat death

An Anglesea fisherman who drowned at Barwon Heads on Saturday morning after his boat capsized in big seas, may have become tangled in the anchor rope.

Tragic new details have emerged from a boating tragedy at Barwon Heads. Photo: Alan Barber.

An Anglesea man who drowned at Barwon Heads on Saturday morning after his boat capsized in big seas may have become tangled in the anchor rope.

Tragic new details have emerged about the boating disaster, which claimed the life of the 66-year-old fisherman.

It’s understood the small boat capsized after being struck by a large wave, trapping the man underneath just before 7am, and he may have become tangled in anchor rope.

His companion, a 61-year-old Moriac man, was rushed to Geelong hospital and is in a stable condition.

He was rescued by members of the public on jet skis, after they found him sitting on top of the capsized vessel.

Coastwatch and other emergency services were involved in the search and rescue operation. Picture: Kelly Fry

Ocean Grove resident, Kelly Fry, said it had been “a sad morning for Barwon Heads”.

Another witness recalled the “eerie” sounds of a police helicopter circling the seaside village and further along the coast towards Torquay.

“I knew something bad had happened,” she said.

A police helicopter circles above Barwon Heads. Picture: Kelly Fry

A police investigation has been launched into the tragedy.

Senior Constable Kevin Hoare said the pair faced “three to four metre” swells when they launched their boat from Barwon Heads and were met with treacherous conditions before tragedy struck.

“The surviving fisherman wasn’t able to save him,” he said.

It can also be revealed other fishermen opted “not to go out” due to the dangerous conditions.

“It’s an absolute tragedy,” he said.

The boat reportedly capsized when hit by a wave. (Twitter/X-@reardon_shaun).

“Both men were wearing life jackets but in this case it didn’t save the deceased male.”

The surviving male was saved by a group of touring jet ski riders, who battled the large swell to reach the upturned boat about 200 metres off shore.

It’s believed he was found sitting on top of the boat.

Senior Constable Hoare said the good Samaritans “were in good spirits” despite the traumatic experience.

“They were a little bit shaken up,” he said.

“They were more than happy to go out and assist in the rescue process.”

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

The boat reportedly capsized when hit by a wave at Barwon Heads (Twitter/X-@reardon_shaun).

Also on Saturday morning, a scuba diver was found dead across the bay at the Rye Pier.

Police at the scene of a tragedy in Barwon Heads this morning. Photo: Alan Barber.

Emergency services were called to the Pier at 10am where a man, who is yet to be formally identified, was located unconscious in the water by other scuba divers.

“Emergency services continued CPR but sadly the man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene,” a police statement read.

Scuba diving centre Aquatic Adventures said their staff tried in vain to rescue the man, though he was not at the pier with the company.

“It was Aquatic Adventures’ dive professionals and club members who pulled the diver from the water and attempted to resuscitate them,” they said in a post on social media.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the unfortunate diver.”

Police will investigate and prepare a report for the coroner.

The death marked the second drowning at the site in just over four weeks.

A man also died at the Rye Pier about 3pm on January 5, while another was pulled from the water at Rosebud on December 28.

Originally published as Tragic new details emerge on Barwon Heads boat death