Coroner credits rescuers Zeb Critchlow and Tyler Hollmer-Cross for saving two mates in boating fatality at Marion Bay

A Tasmanian Coroner has found a jet skier and surfer should be considered for bravery awards for saving two mates in a boating fatality last year.

The end of the beach at Marion Bay where Graeme Anthony Bowerman drowned in June last year.

A JET skier and surfer should be considered for bravery awards for saving two mates in a boating fatality at Marion Bay last year, a Tasmanian Coroner has found.

In her findings into the death of Graeme Anthony Bowerman, Coroner Olivia McTaggart said Zeb Critchlow and Tyler Hollmer-Cross put their own lives in danger to search for Mr Bowerman who they believed was trapped under an overturned boat.

Zeb Critchlow. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

Mr Bowerman drowned when the boat he was on with his friends Scott Marriott and Marcus Mayne capsized while the trio were on a weekend fishing trip.

The boat was launched in the dark at 6.40am on June 3, 2018, and travelled through The Narrows towards the entrance to Marion Bay.

But it was hit by a large breaking wave and, while Mr Marriott and Mr Mayne were able to get clear of the vessel, the pair did not see Mr Bowerman again.

Jet skier Mr Critchlow saw what happened and retrieved the two men who had escaped.

They were put on board a boat skippered by Tassal worker Anthony Rowe, with his friend Robert O’Neill.

Mr Critchlow alerted Mr Hollmer-Cross, who was surfing nearby, that a third man was missing and could be trapped, and both men continued searching for Mr Bowerman.

“The conditions were exceptionally dangerous to the two men attempting the rescue,” Ms McTaggart said.

“The water had limited visibility and both suffered continued buffeting from sets of large breaking waves. At one point Mr Critchlow found himself wrapped by a tarpaulin under the boat and had great difficulty untangling himself.”

The pair then searched the surrounding area on jet ski for the next 45 minutes.

Tyler Hollmer-Cross in 2014.

Emergency services arrived and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter found Mr Bowerman’s body.

Commercial fisherman Stuart Peel was signalled by the helicopter crew and retrieved Mr Bowerman’s body.

Ms McTaggart said the skill and willingness of Mr Critchlow and Mr Hollmer-Cross to retrieve the other two men undoubtably saved their lives.

“They placed their own lives at risk over an extended period of time. The actions of Mr Hollmer-Cross and Mr Critchlow deserve consideration for formal recognition for bravery,” she said.

“Mr Peel also placed his own safety in peril as he attempted to manoeuvre his vessel single-handedly in dangerous conditions to assist police recover Mr Bowerman’s body.

“I also acknowledge that Mr Rowe and Mr O’Neill participated in the rescue.”