Tasmania breaking news: Police suspend search for 22yo female swimmer missing off Somerset Beach

The extensive air and sea search for a missing young female swimmer at Somerset Beach has been called off. Latest breaking news.

Tasmania breaking news. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

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.

Search for missing 22yo swimmer called off

November 17, 3.45pm: The extensive search for a missing young female swimmer at Somerset has been called off.

Tasmania Police formally suspended the search for the 22-year-old woman, who has been missing since November 11 – after being caught up in strong currents at Somerset Beach.

Extensive resources were deployed in the search for the young woman, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, marine rescue assets from Tamar and Ulverstone, surf patrol units from Boat Harbour, Somerset, Burnie, Penguin and Ulverstone – but none have been able to find the woman.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Tasmania Police said expert opinion was that the woman could not have survived.

Inspector Adrian Shadbolt said it was a sad outcome that the “significant and intense” search efforts had not ended with a recovery of the woman.

“Yesterday’s significant air and sea search, which included analysis of water current data, has also failed to locate the missing woman,” Inspector Shadbolt said.

“As such, the search has been formally suspended and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this very sad time.”

‘All avoidable’: Seven crashes in 24 hour prompts Tasmania Police plea

November 17, 12.45pm: Police are again urging drivers to take care on Tasmanian roads after police were called to three crashes in the West Tamar area and seven crashes in the broader Northern District within 24 hours.

About 10am Wednesday, police were called to a crash at St Helens where a driver had lost control and crashed down an embankment, hitting a power pole.

Two hours later, police were called to a crash on the West Tamar Hwy at Legana, after a utility had crossed onto the incorrect side of the road before crashing into a tree.

Early investigations indicated fatigue was a factor in the Legana crash, police said.

The driver returned a positive oral fluid test at the scene and will appear in court at a later date.

Later Wednesday afternoon, a driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel on Meander Rd at Meander, and rolled his vehicle.

About 8am Thursday, police were called to a two-vehicle crash on Frankford Rd at Frankford between a motorcycle and a truck, after the motorcycle failed to remain in the correct lane while negotiating a bend.

Early investigations indicated inattention was a factor in that crash.

Inspector Adam Spencer said while nobody was seriously injured in the crashes, the situation could have been very different.

“All of these crashes could have ended in tragedy,” he said.

“They were all avoidable, and all involved one or more of the fatal five. Crashes not only impact the driver of a vehicle involved, but the wider community.

“Not only did these crashes have the potential to cause serious injury or death, but each caused significant disruptions to traffic and involved significant police and emergency service resourcing.

Police will continue to undertake proactive patrols and target problem crash areas over the coming days and months.

“Coming into summer and the Christmas period, we need everyone to do their part on our roads, don’t be the reason someone doesn’t go home to their families,” Inspector Spencer said.

Anyone with information or footage, or who may have witnessed any of the crashes should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers via crimestopperstas.com.au

Teen charged with GBH after allegedly running down 23-year-old

November 17, 9.30am: An 18-year-old Cressy woman has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm after a crash on Thursday evening.

Police and emergency services responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash on Charles Street at Cressy about 5.30pm.

The driver of a White Toyota HiLux, a 23-year-old Northern Midlands man, was taken to the Launceston General Hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of a White Holden Commodore was taken into custody at the scene, and later charged over the incident.

Police can confirm the people involved were known to each other.

Police will allege the victim was injured after stepping out of his vehicle immediately prior to the crash.

Charles Street was closed for several hours while crash investigators and detectives from Northern Criminal Investigation Branch investigated the incident.

The 18-year-old woman was remanded to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court later today.

Anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed either vehicle being driven around the Cressy area prior to the crash are encouraged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously via crimestopperstas.com.au.

Injuries ‘unknown’ after truck, motorcycle crash in state’s North

November 16, 8.30am: Police and emergency services are at the scene of a traffic crash involving a truck and a motorbike at the intersection of Beasleys and Frankford roads at Frankford.

Injuries are unknown at this stage.

One lane is currently blocked and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Man charged with child exploitation offences

November 15, 4pm: A Tasmania Police investigation has led to a Bellerive man being charged with 38 child exploitation offences.

The 39 year old man was arrested on Tuesday and charged with a string of offences.

The charges include producing child exploitation material, grooming with intent to procure a child for sexual abuse and failing to comply with reporting obligations.

Police say the arrest followed a ‘significant’ investigation.

The man was due to appear at the Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

St Helens crash

Updated, 12.33pm: A person has been taken to hospital after a single-vehicle crash on the Tasman Highway at St Helens.

The person sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to Tasmania Police.

The Tasman Highway at St Helens has now been cleared.

November 15, 10.37am: Police and emergency services are at the scene of a single vehicle traffic crash on the Tasman Highway near Dianas Basin, St Helens.

Injuries are unknown at this stage.

One lane of the Tasman Highway is currently blocked and motorists are asked to avoid the area until the scene is cleared.

Sudden death at business investigated

November 15, 11:00am: A report will be prepared for the coroner after a man’s sudden death at a southern Tasmanian business on Wednesday morning.

Tasmania Police and emergency services personnel were called to the Howrah business premises at 8am, after the body of a man in his 40s was found.

Investigations have determined there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Fallen powerlines, West Launceston

Updated, 12.06pm: The road has now reopened.

November 15, 11.03am: Police and emergency services are responding to fallen powerlines on Brougham Street, West Launceston.

A person who was working on the powerline has been injured and taken to hospital.

WorkSafe Tasmania is attending the scene.

Brougham Street is closed at the intersection of Granville and Brougham Streets.

The road is expected to be closed for some time and motorists are asked to avoid the area.