Two bodies found in search for friends missing off Tasmanian coast
Two bodies have been found in the search for three Tasmanian friends missing off the state’s northwest coast.
Isaiah Dixon, Thomas Courto and Bree-Anna Thomas set out on a half-cabin motorboat from Wynyard Boat Ramp on Monday at midday.
They haven’t been seen or heard from since.
Tasmania Police said on Wednesday afternoon two bodies were found on the shore of Table Cape.
They are the bodies of a man and a woman. Police did not identify them but said "sadly" they were two people on board the boat.
“The police search is ongoing to locate the boat and third person who was onboard the vessel,” police said.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
Police say the boat was equipped with the required safety equipment including flares, radio, EPIRB and flotation devices.
The search was suspended overnight on Tuesday after conditions deteriorated in Bass Strait, with wind and seas forecast to again pick up late on Wednesday.
Members of the community have been asked not to get involved in the search as conditions are too dangerous.
The search area was widened to about 1400 sq km, from Devonport to Table Cape, on Tuesday afternoon.
It is believed the boat belongs to Mr Dixon's father. Signals from the trio's mobile phones haven't been detected since Monday afternoon.
There is no hint of suspicious circumstances, police say.
Tasmania Police Inspector Steve Jones told the ABC efforts have been made to contact the mobile phones of those on board the boat but there was no phone signal.
More to come.
with AAP
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