Liberal MP Tony Pasin and staff member injured in Tasmania barge incident
Liberal MP Tony Pasin has been taken to hospital after falling overboard on a boat during a work trip in northern Tasmania.
Police said the incident happened after an oyster barge hit a sandbar at Bakers Beach while Pasin and others were returning from a tour of an oyster farm on Thursday.
Tony Pasin, top left, fell overboard when an oyster barge hit a sandbar in northern Tasmania today. Dominic Lorrimer
Emergency services were called to the beach about 9.30am after reports of a man having fallen overboard and becoming trapped between the sandbar and the barge.
The man was pulled from the water by other people on board before receiving medical treatment at the scene.
Pasin later confirmed he and a staff member were injured in the incident.
“While undertaking Shadow Ministerial duties in Tasmania today, an incident occurred resulting in injuries to my staff member and me,” he said.
“My first priority is the welfare of my staff member. We are both receiving medical treatment, and the appropriate notifications have been made to relevant authorities and family members contacted.”
Bakers beach in Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania. estivillml
Pasin was taken to Launceston General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
He thanked emergency crews and those who came to their aid.
“I thank the first responders who attended the scene and all those involved in providing assistance,” he said.
“I intend to remain in Tasmania to support my staff member, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
WorkSafe Tasmania and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority have been notified of the incident.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us