Sunshine Coast water police called to boat near Caloundra

A witness has described the moments before police made a tragic discovery of a man dead on a boat off the Caloundra coastline.

Police were called to a boat off the Caloundra coast where they found a man dead on August 22. Picture: Jenni Robinson

A boat “going around in circles” in the water off the Sunshine Coast was the first hint witnesses had of a boatie in trouble.

A man was found dead in the boat after Sunshine Coast Water Police were called to the vessel near Bray Rock off Caloundra by lifeguards about 1.20pm on August 22.

Baringa resident Jenni Robinson was having lunch at Shelly Beach when another woman pointed out the incident unfolding in the water.

“The lady who pointed it out said the boat was going around in circles before police were called,” she said.

Ms Robinson saw lifeguards on their jet skis near the boat, before the police boat pulled up alongside the stricken vessel.

Police found the skipper and sole occupant, an elderly man, had died.

His body was recovered and the boat was returned to his family.

“A police officer brought the boat to shore,” Ms Robinson said.

“It’s really sad, you feel for his family.”

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the man’s death was not being treated as suspicious.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast water police called to boat near Caloundra