Shortly after 10pm, Sunday 30 November 2014, Devonport Police responded to a report of an overdue recreational fishing vessel.

The 4.8m runabout had left a Devonport boat ramp that afternoon on a fishing trip, and was reported to be 4 hours overdue. Concerned relatives contacted police.

The vessel had 3 men on board, one man in his 40s and two men in their 20s.

All the men are from the Devonport area and were reported to have life vests. It’s understood their vessel had overturned.

Tasmania Police instigated a Search & Rescue operation which included the use of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The search area was 145square nautical miles.

At 3:40am this morning, the helicopter located the men on Egg and Wrights Island, 2 kilometres off the Devonport coast. They were cold and wet, and were conveyed to the Burnie Regional Hospital for assessment.

“The families of these men are extremely relieved to have them home safely.

“On the first day summer, it is a timely reminder for all boat users to check their safety gear. It’s also important to tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return,” said Acting Inspector Debbie Williams.