THE BEAT: Man, 35, found unconscious in water in fatal diving incident

Colleagues of a 35-year-old man who died in a diving incident, tried desperately to save his life. DETAILS >>

For the latest, follow The Beat, the Mercury’s live breaking news blog with the latest traffic, police, fire and ambulance news across the state.

A MAN has drowned while diving at Recherche Bay in the state’s South.

Police say they received a call about 6pm on Sunday to say that the 35-year-old was “overdue” and concerns were held for his welfare.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, police, search and rescue personnel and paramedics were subsequently deployed to the area. The man was found unconscious under water and was recovered by fellow divers. “CPR was commenced by his diving group, but despite their efforts, they were unable to revive him,” Tasmania police said last night.

“The man’s family has been notified of the tragic ­incident.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner. If you have any information relating to the incident, call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A diver’s body was found floating unconscious in the water at Recherche Bay.

‘EXPERIENCED RIDER’: Mountain bikers killed in crash

A 29-year-old Victorian mountain bike rider has died after crashing on a track at Maydena in southern Tasmania.

The accident happened about 12.20pm on Friday at the popular Maydena Mountain Bike Trails.

Police said the man received life threatening injuries as a result of crashing his mountain bike as he descending a technical section of the track.

“This person was identified as an experienced rider and was wearing appropriate safety gear at the time of the crash,” a police spokesman said.

“Despite the combined efforts of members of the public, who were close by at the time of the crash, and emergency services personnel, the man could not be saved and died from the injuries sustained.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Police said a report on the man’s death would be prepared for the coroner.

‘SERIOUS INCIDENT’: Police attending mountain bike trail

Friday, March 11

A “serious incident” is unfolding at a world-renowned Tasmanian mountain bike trail.

Tasmania Police and emergency services are responding to an incident at Maydena, where many people from around Australia and the world flock to go mountain biking in the state’s south.

Police issued the statement at 5.53pm, indicating more information would be shared “when appropriate”.

P-plater caught speeding, Smithton

Friday, March 11

A LEADFOOT young driver, who police say was caught travelling almost 80km/h above the speed limit, has had his vehicle seized.

Police say a 19-year-old man from Smithton was detected driving at 177km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Bass Highway at Wiltshire about 9.40pm on Thursday night.

The novice P2 licence holder has had his vehicle clamped for 28 days and will appear in court at a later date.

“Travelling at excess speed is one of the main contributing factors to fatal and serious crashes and a focus for Tasmania Police,” Sergeant Lee-Anne Walters said.

“Speed continues to be the single biggest cause of serious casualty crashes in Tasmania with one in three crashes being speed related.

“As speed increases, so too do serious casualties. If you’re driving even a few kilometres over the speed limit – remember Over is Over.”