At approximately 1:30pm on Sunday 6 May 2012 Tasmania Police Search and Rescue were alerted to a 34 y.o. male jet ski rider who had become trapped in a sea cave at Waterfall Bay on the Tasman Peninsula.

The Westpac Police Helicopter was activated and assistance was given by a Rob Pennicott Adventure Boat, Surf Life Saving Tasmania jet skis and Zodiac, a private vessel, and marine police.

Upon arrival at the scene the helicopter was unable to winch the Police rescue swimmer into the location but one of the adventure tour boats was able to get part way into the sea cave.

The Police rescue swimmer was subsequently driven into the cave by the tour boat and swam the rest of the way to the patient.  He was then able to swim him out of the cave to the boat.

The man was then taken to the Eaglehawk Neck boat ramp where he was met by an ambulance and conveyed to the Royal Hobart Hospital, suffering from mild hypothermia.

Police are certain the man would not have survived the ordeal if he had not been wearing a life jacket.

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