Snorkeller drowns near South Bruny, hikers rescued on Cradle Mountain
A young man has drowned while snorkelling off the coast of South Bruny | Rescue squads save two hikers from Cradle Mountain. LATEST POLICE NEWS >>
Tasmania
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Snorkeller drowns near South Bruny
A young man has drowned while snorkelling off the coast of South Bruny near Lighthouse Bay on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 2.45pm in response to reports of a swimmer in trouble near Lighthouse Beach.
Bruny Island police, ambulance and a rescue helicopter were sent to rescue the snorkeller.
The man’s body was pulled from the ocean a short while later.
A Tasmanian Police spokesperson said it was a tragic turn of events.
“Unfortunately the male was unable to be revived after being retrieved from the water,” the spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with the male’s family and friends.”
Rescue squads save hikers on Cradle Mountain
RESCUE squads saved two hikers from Cradle Mountain on Sunday morning following two separate emergency call-outs.
One hiker was near the summit of the peak when they became lost and disoriented while trying to make their way back to Kitchen Hut.
Tasmania police were notified at 4.30pm on Saturday and at 10pm the hiker activated their emergency rescue beacon.
A Launceston search and rescue party spotted the beacon, and they tracked down the hiker at 6am on Sunday. The hiker was suffering from mild hypothermia.
In a separate incident, a hiker was struck down with chest pains while in the Waterfall Valley Hut area.
The hiker’s companions called emergency services, and a rescue helicopter was sent, but was forced to turn around because of the bad weather.
A rescue squad and wilderness paramedics went in on foot and tracked the party down at 4.30am on Sunday.
Two rescue helicopters landed at Cradle Mountain on Sunday morning and retrieved both hikers.
Both of them were flown to Launceston General Hospital with minor injuries.
The dramatic rescue missions came after a similar incident on Friday, when another hiker was separated from their walking party.
The hiker was found on the side of a steep embankment and had to be lifted up by a winch.
Devonport Police Acting Sergeant Craig Dawkins warned hikers to remain cautious when attempting to climb Cradle Mountain.
“Tasmania Police would like to ask all walkers that they remain vigilant when walking in a group and keep an eye on each other,” Sergeant Dawkins said.
“While all the walkers in the recent rescues were well prepared, it is important that walkers are aware of their environment and the varying climate conditions that can change rapidly.”
Woman loses licence after blowing five times limit
It was fortunate a 59-year-old Launceston woman who drove at more than five times the legal blood alcohol limit on Saturday morning did not injure or kill anyone, police say.
A police spokesman said the woman, who blew 0.256 on the breathalyser, was immediately disqualified from driving for 12 months.
He said several witnesses rang 000 after seeing a car swerving across Mount Leslie Road at Prospect and narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic about 10am on Saturday.
“Not only was the female intoxicated whilst driving on the road, but to the point that she didn’t have proper control of the vehicle,” the spokesman said.
“Alcohol is one of our ‘fatal five’ contributors to serious and fatal crashes in Tasmania and it was very fortunate that, on this occasion, no was injured or killed.”
The woman has been charged with multiple offences including driving a vehicle under the influence of liquor and driving a motor vehicle while exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit. She has been bailed to appear at a later date.
Police thanked members of the public for their help, including those who remained at the scene and took footage of the vehicle and driver.
Man fighting for life after stabbing, Moonah
Friday, November 5
A fight between two house mates that spilt into the streets of Moonah has left one man fighting for life.
Police were called to Main Road just after midnight this morning to find two men in an altercation near Fleet St.
Officers broke the pair up and administered first aid to a 26-year-old man who had suffered stab wounds before paramedics arrived and transported him to hospital.
Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Horne, of Glenorchy CIB, said the local remains in a critical condition.
“The victim has multiple stab wounds to his upper torso and as a result of that he’s undergone surgery at the Royal Hobart Hospital,” Detective Senior Sergeant Horne said.
A 51-year-old man has been charged with causing grevious bodily harm and has been remanded in custody, expected to face an out-of-hour court tomorrow.
Main Road between Effingham and Amy Streets was closed for a short time on Friday morning as police conducted a forensic investigation.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
Teens hurl rock through truck window, Claremont
Friday, November 5
Two teenage boys have “taken responsibility” after a rock was hurled through a truck window at Claremont last month, knocking the driver unconscious and causing him to crash into a residential unit.
Tasmania Police says the rock was thrown from an overpass on Box Hill Rd on October 17. The truck driver is recovering from the injuries he received in the subsequent crash.
Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Horne, of Glenorchy CIB, said an “extensive” police investigation had led to two teenage boys, aged 13 and 15, being identified as “responsible for that incident”.
The pair - who were seen in the area before and after the crash - will be dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.
“Both of those youths have been interviewed and taken responsibility, made admissions for their actions in that incident,” Detective Senior Sergeant Horne said. “That will then be brought before the youth justice court in relation to potential for charges or community conferences diverting them away from the court process.”
Man charged over shooting, Devonport
2pm Friday, November 5
A man involved in a string of crimes involving a firearm in Devonport on October 23 has been charged. The 36-year-old was arrested at Elizabeth Town in the Meander Valley after an extensive police operation on Thursday.
He will front the Devonport Magistrates Court on charges including:
- Assault x4
- Robbery x2
- Recklessly Discharge a Firearm x3
- Possess a prohibited firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued x2
- Possess ammunition when not hte holder of the appropriate firearm licence x2
- Drive whilst disqualified x 1
- Wear a prohibited item x 1
- Possess a controlled drug x 2
- Possess thing used for administration of controlled drug x 1
- Receiving stolen property x 2
3pm Thursday, November 4
A man wanted over a number of unresolved matters has been arrested at Elizabeth Town in the Meander Valley following a planned police operation this afternoon.
The 36-year-old was taken into custody by Tasmania Police’s Special Operations Group.
Police remain at the scene conducting investigations.
There is no threat to the wider community.
Rush hour crashes - Hobart
8.20am Friday, November 5
Two seperate crashes on main Hobart roads are expected to cause delays for Hobart commuters this morning.
Police are at the scene of a multiple vehicle crash on the Brooker Highway (Hobart bound) near the Glebe and also at a seperate multiple vehicle crash on the Tasman Highway at Cambridge.
Police are asking drivers to avoid the area or anticipate delays until the scene is cleared.
At this stage no injuries have been reported from either incidents.
Quarantiner escapes, Hobart
2pm Thursday November 4
A man has been charged after allegedly fleeing from authorities while being transferred between quarantine hotels in Hobart yesterday afternoon.
The returning Tasmanian was being transported from the Ibis to the Travelodge Hobart Airport when he allegedly ran from the bus on arrival about 4.50pm.
Deputy State Coordinator Donna Adams said the 25-year-old had arrived in the state from Sydney on 25 October and was placed into hotel quarantine.
“As part of usual practice, the man’s case was reassessed and as he had no suitable
premises in NSW to return to, he was authorised to stay in Tasmania, and as he did
not have suitable premises in which he could complete his quarantine directed to
complete 14 days in a government quarantine hotel,” she said.
“The risk to the community is low as the man has returned two negative covid tests
prior to the incident and had no contact with the community during that time.”
The man was charged with two counts of failing to comply with lawful requirement or direction of an emergency management worker.
9pm Wednesday, November 3
A man has been arrested after he ran from security while being transported between quarantine hotels this afternoon.
The 25-year-old arrived into Tasmania on October 25 and was placed into hotel quarantine after being identified as an unauthorised traveller.
Tasmania Police said the man was being transferred from the Ibis to the Travelodge Hobart Airport when he ran from the bus on arrival around 5:30pm.
Police were called and he was found nearby 30 minutes later and taken into custody.
“The risk to the community is low as the man has returned a negative covid test and had no contact with the community during that time,” said police in a statement.
He will appear in court tomorrow charged with breaching Covid directions.
Water pipe bursts on main street
8am Thursday, November 4
Traffic slowed to a crawl in North Hobart this morning after a water pipe burst on the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Federal Street.
Part of the intersection has been blocked off as Taswater crews attend to the broken water main.
In a statement, Taswater said the water is expected to be switched back for affected businesses by 12pm today.
In the meantime, Tasmanian Police are warning drivers to steer clear of that area if at all avoidable.
“Police are advising motorists to avoid the intersection of Elizabeth and Federal Street, North Hobart due to a broken water main,” a police spokesperson said.
“Tas Water are aware and repairs will be undertaken later this morning.”
House fire, Mayfield
7pm Wednesday, November 3
AUTHORITIES are concerned about a spike in arson incidents in the state’s north, the latest was the second in the same Launceston suburb within a week.
Police say initial investigations into the deliberately lit fire at Cook Crescent in Launceston on Tuesday night suggest it was targeted.
There was extensive damage to the home, which was usually occupied, but it was vacant when the fire started.
Detective Inspector Craig Fox said there has been a significant increase in the number of deliberately lit fires in the area.
“We don’t believe there’s a serial arsonist on the loose. We believe these incidents aren’t linked at this stage, but we keep an open mind with any investigation,” he said.
“Mayfield, Ravenswood and Rossarden have seen a bit of a spike in incidents of structure fires.”
Detective Inspector Fox said the deliberately lit fires had been at vacant and occupied homes.
“Any fire that is lit whether it be a structure, vehicle, scrub it poses a significant threat to people, police and Tas Fire members.”
Last Wednesday a deliberately lit fire gutted an unoccupied home on Hargrave Crescent in Mayfield.
10.15am Wednesday, November 3
Police are appealing for anyone that may have seen a silver sedan in Mayfield area at around 9pm on Tuesday night to come forward after a home in the Launceston suburb was severely damaged by arson.
Fire crews were called to the Cook Crescent home and found the building well alight.
Sergeant Dwayne Kirkby said Tasmanian Fire Service crews extinguished the blaze, but there was significant damage to the house.
“They (the offenders) were only here for a very short time, it’s likely they smashed a window and have thrown something in there to start the fire.”
“There’s quite a few surveillance cameras on neighbouring houses that we’ve taken advantage of and obtained footage, and door knocks were done on neighbours last night.”
Police investigators and fire crews were on the scene on Wednesday morning.
The home was usually occupied, but no one was home at the time of the fire.
Search for vehicle evading police, Launceston
Wednesday, November 3
SEVERAL police units and a helicopter were brought in to assist officers as a vehicle was driven erratically in an attempt evade police in Launceston.
Police attempted to intercept the vehicle in Invermay at about 12pm on Wednesday after someone inside was identified as a person of interest in an ongoing investigation, but the car failed to stop.
Detective Inspector Craig Fox (right) said the car was last seen near UTAS Stadium on Invermay Road and hadn’t been sighted since.
The vehicle is a white Toyota Hilux with the registration WYP867.
Anyone who sees the vehicle advised not to approach it and contact police on 131 444 or report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
House fire, Old Beach
8:20pm Tuesday, November 2
THE occupants of a home in Hobart’s northern suburbs have escaped uninjured from a fire which tore through the property on Tuesday night.
Tasmania Fire Service crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the rear of the Tivoli Rd, Old Beach property.
“Half the building was on fire at the time … we sent (breathing apparatus) crews through the front door, knocked the fire down, saving the front half of the property here,” TFS Bridgewater station officer Adam Meredith said.
“The occupants were in attendance at the time of the fire - they were cooking dinner on the rear deck.”
Mr Meredith said Ambulance Tasmania had checked out the home’s four occupants and declared them okay.
Mr Meredith said the rear of the three-bedroom, brick veneer property had been extensively impacted by fire, with smoke damage throughout the rest of the building.
“We’re going to try to do the investigation tonight and try to determine the cause and origin of the fire,” he said.
“We’ll talk to the occupants and have a look at the fire language indicators and go from there.”
TFS crews from Bridgewater and Glenorchy attended the scene, along with ambulance personnel, and police who conducted traffic control.
Young child struck by vehicle in North West
Tuesday, November 2
A primary school aged child has been struck by a slow-moving vehicle while hopping off a bus in East Devonport around 3:15pm this afternoon.
The child suffered minor injuries and was transported to hospital as a precaution.
Tasmania Police said the accident comes as a sobering reminder for drivers to be vigilant when passing stationery buses and picking or dropping off passengers.
“Contributing to this fortunate result of only minor injuries was the attention of the driver of the vehicle, who cautiously slowed as they passed the bus.” said police in a statement.
“Tasmania Police would like to remind passengers of all ages to ensure their bus has departed the stop before attempting to cross the road.”
Bushwalkers airflited to safety, South Coast Track
Monday, November 1
Tasmania Police are reminding hikers to be properly prepared for bushwalks after two people were winched from a popular trail in Tasmania’s south west today.
Emergency services and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter responded to a Personal Locator Beacon that was activiated around 10am on the South Coast Track.
“The group of four Tasmanians had begun a multi-day walk in Melaleuca on Thursday, but unfortunately exhaustion set in and two of the group could not continue,” said Senior Constable Callum Herbert.
The pair were located near the Ironbound Range and airlifted back to Dover.
“As we get closer to summer it’s important for everyone to remember that conditions can change quickly, and Tasmania’s wilderness can be challenging.” said Herbert.
“Luckily this group was well-prepared, and did the right thing by requesting assistance.”
Bushwalking Tips:
- Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions, regardless of the season take a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water, first aid kit.
- Research the intended trip – ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast.
- Let someone know before you go – ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.
- Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and a PLB and consider a portable charger to extend battery life.
Unattended pot blamed for $500,000 shop fire
Sunday, October 31
A pot left unattended on a stove started a raging fire that caused an estimated $500,000 damage to a takeaway shop in the state’s north.
It took six firefighting crews more than two hours to extinguish the blaze at Seaz Takeaway on George Town Rd, Newnham, on Sunday afternoon.
The Tasmania Fire Service said the fire, which started in the kitchen of the adjoining house on the property, was deemed accidental.
“The resident had attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful,” the TFS said.
“All persons were safely evacuated from the house and the shop.
“A customer in the shop at the time of the fire was instrumental in evacuating the people from the house prior to the brigades’ arrival.”
Teen dies, driver injured in ATV crash
Sunday, October 31
An 18-year-old man has died in an ATV crash in the Central Highlands, police have confirmed.
Police and emergency services arrived at the scene of the crash on Father of Marshes Road at Wayatinah about 3.15am on Sunday.
The deceased Glen Fern man was a passenger in the Polaris four-wheeler side-by-side ATV. The 25-year-old male driver, of Hamilton, was taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.
Tasmania Police, Ambulance Tasmania, Crash Investigation Services and Forensic Services all attended the scene.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that both the driver and the passenger were wearing seat belts,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.
“A full investigation will be conducted.
“Tasmania Police offer our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family, friends and loved ones of all those involved at this difficult time.”
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
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