Lenah Valley man Eric Fillisch dies while scuba diving off Tasmania’s East Coast

A SCUBA diver who died in waters off Tasmania’s East Coast has been remembered by family as a “loving, caring and supportive” man.

Eric Fillisch with his wife Gabi. Mr Fillisch died while diving at Visscher Island, north-east of Marion Bay on Tasmania's East Coast. Picture: SUPPLIED

A SCUBA diver who died in waters near Marion Bay yesterday has been remembered by family as a “loving, caring and supportive” man.

Eric Fillisch, 49, of Lenah Valley, was found unresponsive in a suspected drowning while diving at Visscher Island, off the state’s East Coast.

Mr Fillisch was pulled from the water by fellow divers who began CPR on him before taking him to a boat ramp at Dunalley.

Emergency Services, which were alerted about 1.20pm, could not revive him.

Mr Fillisch’s daughter, Laura-Maye, said her father “died doing what he loved”.

“Scuba diving was his passion and he died doing what he loved,” she said.

“Eric was a loving, caring and supportive husband, father, and friend, with a love for scuba diving and a dark and dry sense of humour.”

The Tasmanian Scuba Diving Club, where Mr Fillisch was a member, paid homage to their friend on social media.

“Eric Fillisch was a valued member of the club and will be missed by all who knew him,” the club wrote on its Facebook page.

“He was always keen for a dive, from shore dives at Tinderbox to the wrecks in Vanuatu.

“He was always quick with a laugh and would state a situation the way he saw it. He would call a fish a fish. Our condolences go out to Eric’s family.”

Friends also paid their respects to Mr Fillisch on Facebook.

“Rest In Peace Eric, I am absolutely devastated that a truly amazing person has gone so suddenly and too soon!!!,” Peter Giorgis wrote.

“I am sure heaven will be an amazing place with you up there. Will definitely miss you mate!!! I am at a loss for words. Gone way too soon!!!”

Tracey Golden posted: “RIP Eric Fillisch Wonderful patient and compassionate. You will be missed. Love to your family xxx.”

Mr Fillisch is survived by his wife Gabi, daughters Laura-Maye and Candice, and parents Rudolf and Irmgard.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

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Originally published as Lenah Valley man Eric Fillisch dies while scuba diving off Tasmania’s East Coast