Two cray fishermen in peril after their boat capsized

Tasmania police are reminding all boaties to have safety equipment onboard after a boating incident near St Helens on Thursday morning.

Tasmania police are reminding all boaties to have safety equipment on board after a father and son from Ravenswood were rescued today. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

A FATHER and son were rescued by a passing fisherman after their boat capsized in the water near St Helens this morning.

The recreational fishers, from Ravenswood, got into trouble off Akaroa as they retrieved cray pots

About 6am, the pair’s 5.18m aluminium vessel was swamped by a wave over the stern at St Helens Rocks. A second wave then caused the vessel to capsize.

The 47 and 69-year-old men were both wearing life jackets and were able to cling to their upturned vessel for about an hour. A passing recreational fisherman rescued them from the water and called emergency services.

The men were treated by Ambulance Tasmania paramedics for non-life threatening injuries.

“This is a timely reminder to boat operators to remain vigilant over the summer period

and not enter into sea conditions that exceed the capabilities of skippers and vessels,”

Acting Sergeant Matt Lovell said.

MORE NEWS:

WALSH’S ‘SUBVERSIVE’ PLANS FOR SITE’S FUTURE

BATTERY OF NATION BID POWERS ON

HAVE YOUR SAY ON TASSIE’S FUTURE

“This incident is a prime example to boat users of how important it is to have safety gear

on-board and in serviceable order.

“Had these men not been wearing life jackets this morning it could have been a very

different outcome.”

.