Federal MP and staffer injured in 'man overboard' incident

South Australian federal MP Tony Pasin and a staff member sustained injuries during a "man overboard" incident in northern Tasmania. The event unfolded on Thursday morning at Bakers Beach, near Launceston, when an oyster barge struck a sandbar. A man fell from the barge and was briefly trapped between the vessel and the sandbar.

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The man was quickly retrieved by other people on board the barge and was provided medical assistance at the scene.

Tasmania Police reported that other individuals on board quickly retrieved the man. He received medical assistance at the scene before being transported to Launceston General Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. It remains unclear whether Mr. Pasin or his staffer was the individual who fell overboard.

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My first priority is the welfare of my staff member.

Mr. Pasin, who was undertaking "shadow ministerial duties" as the Coalition's shadow minister assisting for fisheries and forestry at the time, confirmed in a statement that both he and his staffer were injured and receiving medical care. He emphasized that his "first priority is the welfare of my staff member" and expressed gratitude to the first responders. He intends to remain in Tasmania to support his staff member.

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I thank the first responders who attended the scene and all those involved in providing assistance.

WorkSafe Tasmania and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority have been notified of the incident. The article notes that Mr. Pasin was touring an oyster farm prior to the incident.

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I intend to remain in Tasmania to support my staff member.