Body of missing kayaker found at Slopen Main boat ramp by member of public
The search for a 19-year-old kayaker who went missing in wild weather south of Hobart has ended in tragedy, with police providing an update. PHOTOS, VIDEO + LATEST >>
Tasmania
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LATEST, 12.40PM FRIDAY:
Police have labelled the 15km cross-bay journey kayaker Valentine Bester attempted to undertake before he was found dead as “unusual”.
A member of the public located the body of the 19-year-old about 9.30am this morning at Slopen Main, about 4km south of Lime Bay, with police finding his kayak shortly after.
The kayaker set off from Roches Beach yesterday at 11am heading towards Lime Bay, amid souring weather conditions, which later hampered search and rescue efforts, according to Tasmania Police
“Sadly we can confirm the missing 19-year-old male from Lauderdale, Valentine Bester, we believe his body was located this morning near Slopen Main jetty,” Acting Inspector Michael Foster said.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this tragic time.”
Members of Tasmania Police’s search and rescue arm, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Dodges Ferry Volunteer Marine Rescue and Surf Lifesaving Tasmania searched Frederick Henry and Norfolk Bay overnight.
Search recommenced at first light this morning. Senior Constable Callum Herbert said efforts were called off overnight due to fatigue.
“This search was for a missing person – Valentine – our search efforts started last night at approximately 6pm when we were notified by friends of valentine that he failed to arrive at Lime Bay after setting off on a kayaking expedition from Lauderdale,” he said.
Sen Const Herbert said it was unusual for a person to undertake a journey from Roches Beach to Lime Bay – around 15km – across the bay on a sit on top kayak.
“This matter is now subject to a coronial inquest but it’s fair to say Valentine left Roches Beach on a sit-on-top kayak,” Sen Const Herbert said.
“The information we have is that he did have a life jacket on at the time and at some stage he appears to have become separated from his kayak and entered the water.
“It would be unusual to undertake a journey of that distance … several miles … from Roches Beach to Lime Bay, it would be unusual to do it in a kayak of that particular make, but certainly not unrealistic that it could happen.
“Yesterday afternoon and last night the weather conditions in the area were windy with westerly and northerly winds, with high winds
“For an untrained kayaker it’s not ideal conditions (for that journey).”
EARLIER, 11.30AM FRIDAY:
Police have confirmed the 19-year-old kayaker who went missing yesterday has been found dead.
A statement from police said a body had been found, believed to be that of the young man near the boat ramp at Slopen Main by a member of the public.
Onlookers during the search described the weather as ‘nasty’ with peak gusts of up to 90-100km/h according to the Bureau of Meteorology, and damaging wind warnings in place for the South and East coasts.
Valentine was reported missing at 5.30pm last night after failed to arrive to meet friends at Lime Bay, after leaving Lauderdale Yacht Club at Roches Beach on his kayak at around 11am.
Police, with the support of Surf Life Saving Tasmania and Dodges Ferry Marine Rescue Services conducted an extensive search in the greater Frederick Henry Bay area last night and this morning.
A search will continue today to locate the missing kayak.
“Our thoughts are with Valentine’s family and loved ones at this difficult time,” Acting Inspector Michael Foster said.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
EARLIER, 8.50AM, FRIDAY: POLICE, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and police boats Dauntless and Cape Wickham, with the assistance of Dodges Ferry Volunteer Marine Rescue Unit and Surf Lifesaving Tasmania, continue the search for Valentine Bester.
Police were notified about 5.30pm last night after the 19-year-old Roches Beach man failed to arrive at Lime Bay after embarking on kayaking trip from Lauderdale Yacht Club at Roches Beach at around 11am.
Rescue chopper being used this morning in search for missing man Valentine Bester. Search continues this morning after he was reported missing late yesterday afternoon after setting off from Lauderdale Yacht Club. See @themercurycomau for updates throughout the day. pic.twitter.com/X9pnJ71JuD
— Cameron Whiteley (@cwhiteley12) October 1, 2020
The air and sea search were underway until the early hours of this morning and resumed at first light today.
Dodges Ferry local Barry Hudson said he heard the rescue helicopter last night and saw rescue vessels launched in the area this morning.
Mr Hudson, who surfs in the area, said the current conditions were harsh.
“With these prevailing winds, you wouldn’t want to be out there in a kayak like this. Not a chance,” he said.
EARLIER, 11.30PM, THURSDAY: POLICE have advised they have been in contact with the occupant of the white car they were seeking last night.
EARLIER, 8.30PM, THURSDAY: FRIENDS have reported their concern over a missing man who was long overdue to return from a kayaking trip.
Nineteen-year-old Valentine Bester left from Lauderdale Yacht Club, Roches Beach at 11am yesterday.
The friends reported their concern to Tasmania Police at 5.30pm.
Emergency services have been conducting extensive air and water searches in Frederick Henry Bay with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, two marine vessels and the Dodges Ferry Volunteer Marine Rescue Unit.
The Police Vessel Cape Wickman also assisted in the search.
Police have asked anyone who saw Valentine to come forward.
The police said they are particularly interested in speaking to the occupant of a white vehicle believed to have information on Valentine’s travel plans.
The owner was believed to have attended Valentine’s Roches Beach home before 10:30am.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
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