Police divers find body in dam after speedboat capsizes
By Cloe Read
Police divers have found the body of a man in Somerset Dam after a lengthy search on Sunday following reports that a speedboat had capsized.
Emergency services were called to the area north-west of Brisbane about 9am, later closing the dam to search for the missing driver.
A man’s body was found in Somerset Dam, about 100 kilometres north-west of Brisbane. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Helicopters were initially involved in the search but were later called off as police divers were brought in.
In a statement just before 5pm, police confirmed a body had been found.
“Police have located the body of a 45-year-old Clagiraba man following a search and rescue operation at Lake Somerset today,” the QPS said.
Police said crews were initially called to an area near Esk Kilcoy Road following reports of a missing boat.
“At approximately 4pm, officers located the vessel and one person deceased in the water within the search area,” they said.
“Investigations into the circumstances of the initial incident are underway, with officers appealing to anyone who may have relevant vision or may have witnessed the incident to contact police if you haven’t already done so.”
It was still unclear how the incident occurred, but reports suggested only one person was on board the boat.
The dam is a popular recreation area and on Sunday, the Queensland Personal Watercraft Club was also hosting a jet ski racing event at the dam.
Police investigations are continuing, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.