South Australian federal MP Tony Pasin and a staff member have been injured in a “man overboard” incident following an oyster farm tour in northern Tasmania.
Local police said a man fell overboard after an oyster barge hit a sandbar at Bakers Beach, north-west of Launceston, about 9.30am on Thursday morning.
The man was briefly trapped between the barge and the sandbar.
“The man was quickly retrieved by other people on board the barge and was provided medical assistance at the scene,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.
“The man was part of a group of people returning from a tour of the oyster farm when the incident occurred.”
He was taken to the Launceston General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
It is unclear whether it was Mr Pasin, the Liberal MP for the seat of Barker, or his staffer who fell.
The injured man is being treated in Launceston. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
In a statement, Mr Pasin said both were injured and now receiving medical treatment.
He said he was undertaking “shadow ministerial duties” at the time of the incident. He is the Coalition’s shadow minister assisting for fisheries and forestry.
“My first priority is the welfare of my staff member,” he said.
“I thank the first responders who attended the scene and all those involved in providing assistance.
“I intend to remain in Tasmania to support my staff member.”
WorkSafe Tasmania and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority have been notified about the incident.
