76yo Zeehan man rescued in rough seas off Tasmania’s West Coast

A professional fisherman helped rescue a 76-year-old man whose yacht got into strife in high winds and heavy seas. SEE THE PHOTOS >>

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Stricken sailor rescued

A professional fisherman helped rescue a 76-year-old Zeehan man whose yacht came into difficulty in high winds and heavy seas off Tasmania’s West Coast.

Tasmania Police were alerted to a 25-foot sailing sloop that had activated its Emergency Position Indicating Radio Bacon (EPIRB) about 11.30pm on Friday.

Police said as the solo yachtsman had the EPIRB registered with AMSA, the AMSA Response Centre in Canberra had access to the details on the yacht and occupant, so they had a better understanding of the situation.

The AMSA Challenger jet from Melbourne was sent to the scene and the vessel was found about six nautical miles off Point Hibbs, about 25nm south of Macquarie Harbour in Strahan.

The Westpac Rescue helicopter and a fishing vessel in the area were also dispatched. The yachtsman was rescued without incident and the vessel taken under tow to Point Hibbs.

Acting Inspector Anthea Maingay of the Central West Division urged people who are undertaking such trips on the water to be aware of the weather and ensure all the vessel’s equipment is in good working order with enough provisions and fuel for the trip, as well as extra for safety.

“Tasmania Police would like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by the professional fisherman, Dan Hursey and his crew member Jamie Gordon, in this rescue,” a spokesperson said.

Man accused of trashing hotel isolation room

A BROKEN Head man has been charged after allegedly refusing to leave Tasmania and trashing his hotel room while he was quarantining at the Travelodge Hotel.

Benjamin Peter Suthers Barnes was charged with one count of destroying property, three counts of failing to comply with the lawful requirement or direction of an emergency management worker, and one count of failing to comply with the direction of the Director of Public Health

Police alleged the man unlawfully destroyed a glass wardrobe door, a window frame and opening mechanism, a power point, and plaster walls between November 26 and 29.

The Travelodge Hobart on the corner of Macquarie and Harrington streets in Hobart. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The alleged damage was estimated at $5000.

The 42-year-old man allegedly walked from his hotel room to the foyer twice without a mask on November 26.

Police further alleged the man opened his quarantine room door without a mask three times on November 28, and nine times on November 29 when he was lawfully required to remain in his room.

The man allegedly refused to leave Tasmania when he was directed to after he had returned a negative Covid test result on November 29.

He is expected to appear in court over the matter in January.