Three young male persons using kayaks attempted to negotiate Georges River between Reids Road Priory, and the Binalong Bay Causeway near St Helens at approximately 2.00pm on Saturday, 26 March 2011 despite being warned against such activity by onlookers. 

Recent flood waters had created severe water currents and as a result all three male persons lost control of their kayaks and had to swim to safety.  Two of the males managed to escape the rapids however a third male person aged 18 years was swept away.

Parents of the trio reported their concerns to Tasmania Police several hours later when they failed to return.   Local police conducted an immediate search of the vicinity where they had departed from however without success.

Due to the extremely cool weather conditions, Search and Rescue personnel from Tasmania Police were requested to assist, as were local SES members.  The Westpac rescue helicopter was tasked and commenced preparation for departure from Hobart.  The Westpac rescue helicopter crew were tasked with searching Georges River from Reid’s road to Binalong Bridge utilising night vision and forward looking infa-red (FLIR) equipment.

Four Search and Rescue personnel were travelling to St Helens from Launceston in an effort to commence and coordinate the search.  Local SES members were also deployed, and were undertaking preparations at St Helens Police Station when local police received information at Midnight, indicating that the missing youth had been located by local persons.  St Helens Police attended the local hospital and confirmed that the youth had been located alive. 

Detective Sergeant Mike Gillies (Search and Rescue Coordinator) said:  "Once again police were heartened by the response of SES and other volunteers during an emergency situation however was disappointed by actions of the trio especially considering the recent media coverage which had highlighted the dangers of flood waters.   He said the trio created a situation which not only placed their own lives at risk, they also created a risk to the safety of all searchers, volunteers and police”.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2867