Punchbowl man drowned, daughter rescued off Badger Beach

A Tasmanian man father been found drowned after he fell overboard from a yacht anchored offshore in the state’s north, while his teenage daughter managed to return to the yacht.

A Tasmanian man has been found dead in the water after he fell overboard from a yacht anchored offshore in the state’s north, with a teenage girl also taken to hospital after the incident.

About 11.40pm on Monday, Tasmania Police received a call for assistance relating to two people who had fallen overboard a 7.8m yacht anchored 300m offshore from the northeast corner of Badger Beach.

One of the occupants of the yacht, an 18-year-old female from Punchbowl, was able to get back onto the vessel and raise the alarm, Acting Inspector Robert King told media.

However, a 59-year-old Punchbowl man, who the Mercury understands was the teen’s father, was discovered deceased in the water by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The chopper, which arrived on-scene about 2.40am Tuesday, was requested shortly after receiving the distress call, the Mercury understands, but was delayed from leaving Cambridge due to poor weather.

The 7.8m yacht remained moored off Low Head, as at 1pm Tuesday, Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Robert King said. Picture: File

Tasmania Police, who arrived about 12.30am, located the yacht after a short time and maintained visual contact until assistance from a Tamar Sea Rescue Service vessel arrived to assist.

The teenager was extracted from the yacht and transported to Launceston General Hospital, wile the yacht itself was towed to Low Head, where it remained as at 1pm Tuesday.

Acting Inspector King said it “appeared neither party were wearing life jackets” at the time of going overbaord and noted the on-water conditions were poor.

“It was fairly windy and choppy,” he said.

Acting Inspector King offered his condolences to the family. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.