Unknown Body recovered - Tasmania

[DandyDon]

Body found during search for diver reported missing off Tasmania's east coast at the Bay of Fires​

Abody has been found in the search for a missing diver at the Bay of Fires on Tasmania's east coast, with formal identification yet to occur, Tasmania Police said.

At 8pm on Monday, a man, believed to be in his late thirties, was reported missing after the group he was diving with lost sight of him.


Search and Rescue crews, local police and a rescue helicopter began searching for him overnight, with efforts continuing this morning.

A Melbourne-based Challenger Rescue aircraft from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) also assisted efforts, with a search conducted by the aircraft at 4.30 this morning.

Tasmania Police Inspector Luke Manhood told ABC Radio a body of a man had been found underwater during this morning's search.

"That's literally just come in a couple of minutes ago, so we're still doing some work to confirm the person's identity," Inspector Manhood said.

He said the body had been found was in "the same location as the party was diving last night".

"We're doing some enquiries now to confirm that it is in fact our missing person.

"Until we've confirmed everything, we'll be keeping the resources in the area."

Inspector Manhood said the search effort had been aided by "tremendous support", including from Surf Life Saving Tasmania, AMSA, the State Emergency Service and St Helens Marine Rescue.


"Unfortunately, it's just not the outcome we wanted."

Police said the man was in a party of six, which entered the water around 6.30pm before the group lost sight of the diver and reported him missing at 8pm.

The other five divers returned safely to shore.

The missing diver is believed to be from interstate.

 

[clownfishsydney]

Reported on ABC radio that he was snorkelling.