Tasmanian prison escapee recaptured after breakout

A Tasmanian prison escapee, who held a teenage hostage at knife-point, has been re-captured.

Convicted armed robber Marcus Denis Mayne, 27, broke out of minimum security division Risdon Prison about 8.30am.

Police believe he slid under a roller door while it was open for a delivery, after taking two knives from the prison.

Mayne allegedly walked for about one kilometre to Piper Road, Geilston Bay, where police say he “interacted” with a teenage boy.

Police said the boy was not harmed during the ordeal.

Mayne was confronted by police at Geilston bay and then entered the water, swimming to a nearby yacht and climbing aboard.

By the time police reached Mayne, he had cut the mooring ropes and had attempted to start the yacht’s engine.

Police surrounded the vessel and took Mayne into custody with charges expected to be laid today.

Mayne was regarded as a model inmate and was just four months away from release. It is understood he was distressed following a phone call last week.