A 54-year-old Launceston man has been charged with exceeding 0.05 after he and three others were rescued from their upturned boat on the St Helens Barway this morning.

St Helens Marine Rescue arrived and extracted the skipper and his three crew members from the six-metre open centre control aluminium dinghy, following the report at about 10.30am. All four were wearing PFDs.

The rescue vessel was then met at the Burns Bay Boat Ramp by Police and Tas Ambulance paramedics.  One of the men was believed to have broken ribs and the others were treated for minor injuries.

The capsized vessel was towed into Georges Bay and secured out of the navigation channel.

Senior Constable Rob Shepherd said:

“As well as the importance of not exceeding 0.05, this incident is a timely reminder to all that it is of the importance to wear a PFD, to ensure your vessel has all safety equipment on board and to check the weather forecast before venturing on your trip.”

The charged man will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.