Police were called to the scene about 10pm last night after reports of a man and woman falling into the water in the vicinity of PW1.

Detective Inspector David Gill said that the woman managed to swim to a nearby ladder, climbed out of the water and raised the alarm.

“The man, who could not swim, struggled to stay on the surface,” he said.

“Two passing members of the public initially entered the water to help the man, with police attending shortly afterwards finding all three men struggling.”

Three police officers then entered the water and pulled the man onto the rear deck of the PV Van Diemen which was moored nearby.

The two members of the public climbed out using a nearby ladder.

Supporting police units as well as Ambulance Tasmania paramedics arrived soon after and provided medical assistance.

“Sadly the man could not be revived,” Detective Inspector Gill said.

“We’re in the process of notifying next of kin so we’re unable to provide further details about the victim at this stage.

“I would like to recognise the heroic efforts of the passing members of the public who entered the water in an attempt to rescue the man  – as well as the outstanding efforts of our responding police and emergency service personnel under very difficult circumstances.”

Initial investigations have revealed there were a number of people in the area, including people fishing.

If you were in the area, or saw people in the vicinity, please contact Police on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.