Boat found adrift near Maria Island prompts search for fisherman

UPDATE: Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a fisherman in waters off Tasmania’s east coast.

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TASMANIA Police are investigating what led to the death of a lone commercial fisherman in waters off Maria Island.

The body of the man, believed to be a local aged in his 60s, was found by police within two hours of his boat being found adrift.

Inspector Gavin Hallett said police were notified shortly before 2pm on Sunday of an unmanned vessel drifting in waters just north of Maria Island.

The Mercury Passage and Maria Island in the background seen from Raspin's Beach, Orford. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“We understand a lone commercial fisherman was setting cray pots in the area. There were other commercial vessels in the area. The vessel was seen to be drifting which was unusual,” he said.

Inspector Hallett said a person from a nearby vessel boarded the drifting vessel and raised the alarm when no one was found to be on board.

Police immediately sent the Westpac rescue helicopter and police vessels, with nearby commercial and private vessels also joining the search.

“After about an hour and half of searching police have discovered the body of a deceased male in those waters and has been taken back to Triabunna,” Inspector Hallett said.

“We understand he was a local from Orford, a commercial fisherman.”

“We will do an investigation on behalf of the coroner on the circumstances of the death.”

The 15m fishing vessel was been taken to Triabunna for further investigation.

Conditions on the water were good around the time the man was reported missing.

EARLIER: TASMANIA Police marine and rescue teams have been deployed to the north of Maria Island in response to reports of a person missing from a boat.

On Sunday afternoon a fisherman contacted police after coming across the boat drifting with no one on board.

Police vessels have been dispatched and nearby recreational and commercial vessels have been alerted via marine radio to join the search.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has been deployed to the area.

More to come …