RESCUED crayfish diver Lee Quarrell says he would have been ‘‘buggered’’ if it weren’t for the swift action of the police and the State Emergency Service.
The Launceston father of three became lost at sea about 1.10pm on Thursday, after he was caught in a current near Waterhouse Island, on the state’s North-East coast.
The current dragged him underwater away from his boat and when he surfaced he was too far away from his boat to signal for help.
His deckhand called emergency services when Mr Quarrell failed to return to the boat.
More than 20 crew members assisted in the frantic search for Mr Quarrell, 32, who was lost for seven hours with just 45 minutes worth of oxygen left in his tank.
He was found on Waterhouse Island – near his initial dive location – with mild hypothermia about 8pm on Thursday, in what police have called a very lucky recovery.
In the embrace of his fiancée Alecia Badcock on Friday, Mr Quarrell held back tears as he gave an emotional thanks to the men and women who assisted in his search.
‘‘After what I’ve been through, I would like to join the SES. Because without the volunteers, this could have been a hell of a lot worse,’’ he said.
‘‘I would recommend for anyone to join the SES. Without them, it’s a hell of a lot harder to find those people who become lost out at sea or in the bush.’’
Search crews initially mistook Mr Quarrell for a cow when they first arrived on Waterhouse Island on Thursday night, police said.
Ms Badcock said Tasmanians from as far away as Flinders Island came to her partner’s rescue.
‘‘It’s amazing what people did for a total stranger,’’ she said. ‘‘I was thinking the worst. I just didn’t know what I was going to tell the kids.’’
Ms Badcock said she would not be letting her fiance return to sea anytime soon.
‘‘I never want to go through that again. Gumtree is going to be my best friend. I am going to sell everything.’’
Tasmania Police Inspector Darren Hopkins said Mr Quarrell’s diving experience saved his life.
‘‘From my point of view, all the right things were done. Lee remained calm during the whole incident,’’ he said.
‘‘This is a good reminder that the sea is not very forgiving most of the time.’’
