THE BEAT: Distressed boat towed to safety by private vessel at Lewisham boat ramp
Central Tasmanian rafting incident | Serious Wynyard crash | Paddle-boarder no longer missing in state’s west | Boaties saved from popular fishing spot | Man dead after he was capsicum sprayed by police. FOLLOW LIVE >>
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
FRANKLIN RIVER RAFTING INCIDENT
2.30pm
FIVE people have been rescued from the Franklin River in the state’s southwest after their raft overturned two days ago.
Police were notified of the incident shortly before noon today, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to the area.
On arrival at the scene, it was established that a group of 16 private rafters had been involved in a rafting incident on the Franklin River two days earlier.
Authorities were only notified today.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called in due to the remoteness of the location.
Five people received non-life threatening injuries in the incident: a 63-year-old Hobart man, a 47-year-old Hobart woman and a Lonnavale man were transported to Derwent Bridge, where they were transferred to the air ambulance and taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment.
A 37-year-old Sandfly man and a 27-year-old Hobart woman are currently being taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
More to come …
SEARCH FOR PADDLE BOARDER IN STATE’S WEST – UPDATE
11.30am
While not locating her, Tasmania Police are no longer concerned for the welfare of a female paddleboarder who was seen in the Pieman River area near Corinna in the state’s west yesterday morning.
An extensive air and water search by volunteers and police, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, with public information from members of the community police lead police to believe the woman left the area in a vehicle yesterday.
It was originally believed she was driving a silver Subaru, but information from the public, including video and dashcam footage, confirmed that the woman was travelling in a silver van that has since left the area.
Senior Sergeant Adam Spencer from West Coast Police thanked members of the public for their valuable help.
“As a result of extensive information provided by the community, we have now been able to determine that that woman safely left the area via another vehicle,” Senior Sergeant Spencer said.
“About a dozen members of the community who saw the woman yesterday came forward, so police have been able to confirm a more accurate timeline of her movements, including that fact that she was driving a silver van, which then left the area.
“We will be following up with the vehicle’s registered owner and speaking with the woman concerned,” Senior Sergeant Spencer said.
Tasmania Police reiterated it takes these types of reports “very seriously”, and will conduct searches until there is no doubt the person is safe.
SERIOUS WYNYARD CRASH
9.30am
A crash has left a driver’s mate in hospital with serious internal injuries after an alleged hooning incident.
Police and emergency services were called to Austin St in Wynyard in the State’s North West about 6.30pm after reports a hooning vehicle had lost control and crashed into a parked car.
The red Holden Commodore had crashed into a parked Nissan X-Trail, causing significant damage to the X-Trail.
No-one was in the parked vehicle at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Commodore was a 39-year-old Riverside man.
He wasn’t injured but was conveyed to the North West Regional Hospital for blood alcohol testing.
The injured man was a 27-year-old from Victoria who was the front seat passenger. He received internal injuries and was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital for emergency surgery.
Police said his injuries are serious but non-life-threatening.
Investigations into the incident are continuing.
Anyone with information should contact Western Crash Investigation Services on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
CHARGES FOR FRAUD UPON CENTRAL HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
Continuous Tasmania Police investigations into a significant fraud allegedly committed upon the Central Highlands Council between 2013 and 2020 approximately $135,000 in value.
A 38-year-old Bothwell man was arrested yesterday and has been charged with fraud.
He will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 11 March 2021 while a jointly charged 37-year-old woman will appear on 10 March 2020.
Tasmania Police say investigations into the matter continue.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30
BOATIES IN DISTRESS TOWED TO SAFETY BY PRIVATE VESSEL
EMERGENCY services and surf life saving club members assisted a boat in distress back to safety in the state’s southeast.
Around 3.30pm on Wednesday, Tasmania Police reported a boat was in distress in Gypsy Bay near Primrose Sands, with members of the Dodges Ferry Surf Life Saving Tasmania club rendering assistance.
About 4pm, the boat was determined to be stable.
The 8m vessel was later anchored as water on board subsided and the skipper repaired a leak.
Police vessel Sentinel attended the scene and assisted the boat back to Lewisham under tow by private vessel.
LATEST: 4.12PM : A REPORTEDLY sinking boat has now been stabilised and is under police tow to a boat ramp.
Around 3.30pm today police reported a boat in distress in Gypsy Bay near Primrose Sands, and it has now been determined to be stable.
The 8m vessel is anchored and water on board is subsiding, a police spokesman said.
It is understood the skipper is repairing a leak.
Police vessel Sentinel is attending the scene and will assist the vessel back to Lewisham under tow.
EARLIER, 3.28PM: EMERGENCY services and Surf Life Saving Tasmania are rushing to aid sailors on sinking boat at a popular fishing destination.
Tasmania Police vessel Van Diemen and Surf Life Saving Tasmania Dodges Ferry are investigating the distress call in Frederick Henry Bay, about 1km off Primrose Sands.
The two people on board the boat are reported to be wearing life jackets and there are no reports of injures.
More to come …
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
MAN DEAD AFTER ALLEGED FAMILY VIOLENCE ORDER BREACH
5.30pm:
A MAN has died following an incident in Eaglehawk Neck in southern Tasmania late this
afternoon.
Police were called to a property in White Beach following a report of an alleged breach
of a family violence order by a woman at 2.30pm.
Police found the man in his vehicle in the Eaglehawk Neck area an hour later.
Police sprayed the man with capsicum spray after realising he was in possession of a large blade or knife.
The man sustained knife wounds during the interaction and police inquiries suggest they were self-inflicted. Sadly the man died at the scene.
A police spokesman said their thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.
An investigation is being undertaken by Professional Standards and assisted by Southern
District CIB and Uniform resources.
Forensics are also attending the scene. The investigation will include preparation of a report for the Coroner.
If you or anyone needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1800 273 8255.
TOUGH PENALTY FOR SPEEDING P-PLATER
1pm:
Tasmania Police have issued a stern warning to speeders following their latest seizure of a motorcycle travelling 50km/h over the limit earlier today.
A 25-year-old P-plater has had his license suspended, bike seized and was slapped with a heavy fine after he was caught speeding excessively at Berriedale.
Acting Inspector Justin Lawson said the Bridgewater man was observed travelling at 150km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Brooker Highway about 11am.
“Travelling at such speeds demonstrates completely reckless behaviour, placing both the rider and other road users at risk” he said.
“Not only has his motorcycle been seized for 28 days, but he has had his license disqualified for four months, on top of a 6-demerit point and $989 penalty.”
“Excessive speed is still the single largest contributor to fatal and serious injury crashes on our roads.”
“Targeting high risk driving behaviour will always be a priority to Tasmania Police.”
“Don’t let poor decision making mean it’s your vehicle we’re seizing next.”
FISH FARM FIRE – HIDEAWAY BAY
10am:
Tasmanian seafood producer Huon Aquaculture has announced a pen at its Hideaway Bay farm has been damaged by fire.
“A small electrical fire caused minor damage to the railing on an outer pen, which was empty of fish,” a statement from the company said.
This is the latest in a string of incidents at Tasmanian fish farms in recent months.
PROTEST ACTIVITY IN THE TARKINE
9.30am:
The threat of being arrested is not deterring the Bob Brown Foundation with logging protesters heading back into the forest.
The foundation says logging is due to restart in the Pieman River area on Tasmania’s west coast and “defenders” had moved in overnight to establish a blockade camp.
The aim of the camp is to halt Sustainable Timbers Tasmania from getting access to logging coupe B0092C with machines.
Logging stopped in February after a four-day blockade by environmentalists but is due to start again this summer.
“The rainforests of takayna/Tarkine are one of the earth’s great treasures, abundant with wildlife such as the Tasmanian devil and the spotted tail quoll,” campaign Scott Jordan said.
“They are also rich and essential carbon storehouses in the face of the climate emergency.”
The foundation said the targeted coupe was the first in a series earmarked for logging in the river catchment.
Dr Brown was arrested in mid December in Tasmania’s Eastern Tiers trying to protect Swift Parrot habitat from logging.
Several other BBF protesters have been charged during the year for trespass both in the forest and at a mining operation near Tullah
WOMAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH – BRIDPORT
7am:
George Town Police were called to a crash involving a motorcycle in the area of Double Sandy Point Conservation Reserve at, Bridport just after 4pm yesterday afternoon.
The rider of a motorcycle, A 30 year old female, was treated by an Ambulance crew at the scene with non-life threatening injuries and was air lifted to Launceston General Hospital.
The woman had been riding a motorcycle in the sand dune area at the time of the crash.
Tasmania Police said inexperience and rider error is believed to have contributed to the crash.
While many holiday makers are enjoying the coastal areas of Tasmania at this time of the year “Police would like to remind the public that unless riding or driving on private land then all vehicles are required to be registered and drivers and riders must hold driver's licences of the appropriate class and this includes beaches, reserves and coastal tracks,” a Statement from George Town Police said.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28
SUSPICIOUS LAUNCESTON DEATH LATEST
5.50PM
AN INTERNATIONAL man in his 20s has been arrested over the alleged Boxing Day murder of a 49-year-old woman in the state’s North.
Police have arrested a 27-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman from Germany earlier today and charged the man with murder.
The woman was interviewed and released unconditionally.
The 49-year-old victim was discovered dead at a Wellington St, Launceston address on Saturday.
As a result of a post-mortem police discovered the woman had been murdered and was unable to be revived despite attempts from a witness, police and Tasmania Ambulance Service.
A crime scene was declared at the residence and the scene has been forensically examined by Tasmania Police and Forensic Science Services Tasmania.
Earlier today police arrested the 27-year-old man and 25-year-old woman.
The man was interviewed and charged with murder. The man will appear in the Launceston Court of Petty Sessions tonight at 8.30pm.
More to come …
SERIOUS CAR AND MOTORCYCLE CRASH NEAR TOURIST ATTRACTION
3.55PM
A CAR and a motorcycle have been involved in a serious crash on Main Rd, Berriedale, near Monday.
The crash occurred at approximately 3.50pm and motorists have been warned to avoid the area.
Emergency crews are currently on scene assisting the rider and with traffic management.
The crash will cause delays on Main Rd, police have warned, asking motorists to avoid the area.
More to come …
‘EXTREMELY DISTRESSING’: YOUNG WOMAN THREATENED AT GUNPOINT
2.58PM
A YOUNG woman has been allegedly threatened at gunpoint by a man wielding a loaded, unregistered pistol in an incident described by police as “extremely distressing”.
Detective Senior Constable Paul Smith said the incident took place just after 7am this morning at the Bridgewater McDonalds carpark in Hobart’s north.
Police allege a 24-year-old man entered the car of a 22-year-old woman who was parking at the restaurant.
It is then alleged he threatened her with the weapon, requesting information.
The man fled the scene and was found at a nearby address where the firearm was also located.
Luckily for Tasmania Police, the incident which was called in by a McDonalds staff member was captured clearly on CCTV.
Police are yet to determine a motive but confirmed the pair were known to each other.
The alleged offender is currently being questioned at Hobart Police Station with charges expected to follow.
“With the use of a firearm, usually aggravated assault is the type of charge,” Detective Senior Constable Smith said.
He said the incident was upsetting for the McDonalds staff who witnessed the events unfold and the victim.
“(It was) extremely distressing for them, they were quite upset,” Detective Senior Constable Smith said.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27
UPDATE, 4.45PM: POLICE have not yet revealed what injuries a woman who died at her Launceston home on Saturday night received and at whose hand.
Police have classified the 49-year-old’s death as suspicious but there are few details on what caused her death.
“We are unsure what led up to this and what caused her death,” Detective Inspector Kim Steven said as police waited for post mortem examination results to shed more light on the death.
One of the other people in the Wellington St house phoned police to report a death just after 8.30pm on Sunday.
The woman was given CPR at the house but she died at the scene.
Inspector Steven said no weapons were found at the scene and there was no indication it was a domestic violence incident as rumoured on social media.
A man was arrested by police on a side street near the deceased woman’s house but was later released.
Insp Steven said police regarded any death as suspicious until proven otherwise and the autopsy would provide more details on the extent of the woman’s injuries.
Police forensic officers, assisted by members from Forensic Science Services Tasmania examined the scene on Sunday while CIB and uniform officers conducted doorknocks in the area.
“We are still piecing together the events leading to the death. The post mortem of the body will assist us with our investigation,” Insp Steven said.
“We are particular interested in anyone contacting us who may have seen people on foot in that area at about the time of the triple-0 call, 8.40pm, or have dashcam footage of the street, including surrounding streets, in that area in the three hours up until 9pm”.
Footage can be directly uploaded here.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Launceston Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
UPDATE, 12.45PM: A MAN has been burnt in a fire that destroyed a home on the state’s West Coast.
Tasmania Police Detective Joshua Wood said emergency service crews responded to the Rosebery house fire on Urquhart St about 1pm on Saturday to find the home engulfed in flames.
Mr Wood said a resident at the property, who was home at the time of the fire, suffered minor burns and was transported the North West Regional Hospital for treatment.
Damage to the property is estimated at $120,000.
Fire investigators have been unable to determine the cause of the blaze.
Anyone with information in relation to the matter is asked to contact Burnie CIB on 6477 7231 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
UPDATE, 11.50am: A WITNESS was unsuccessful in trying to save the life of a woman who died in suspicious circumstances in the state’s North.
A strong police and ambulance presence attended the Wellington St, Launceston, address on Saturday night following a call to triple-0 reporting the death of a 49-year-old woman inside a residential property.
Detective Inspector Kim Steven said despite CPR efforts by a witness and attending officers, the woman died at the scene.
He said investigators were still “piecing together” the events leading to the woman’s death.
“The post mortem of the body will assist us with our investigation,” he said.
Inspector Steven said forensic officers were on Sunday morning examining the scene while uniform officers conducted doorknocks of the area.
“We are particular interested in anyone contacting us who may have seen people on foot in that area at about the time of the triple-0 call, 8.40pm, or have dashcam footage of the street, including surrounding streets, in that area in the three hours up until 9pm,” he said.
Footage can be directly uploaded here.
Police request anyone with information to call Launceston Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
EARLIER 10am: Launceston CIB Detective Inspector Kim Steven will provide details at 11.45am at Launceston Police Station about a suspicious death that occurred in the state’s North on Saturday night.
EARLIER: A sudden death has seen a large number of police cars and ambulance vehicles attend a residential street this evening.
Police and emergency services are on the scene at Wellington St, Launceston.
Tasmania Police are examining the circumstances leading to the death.
It is understood police will provide an update on the incident in the morning.
Anyone with information should call Launceston Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
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