Help for teen’s family

THE community is rallying around the family of a Devonport schoolgirl fighting for her life after nearly drowning.

The 14-year-old was swimming off the rocks at Mersey Bluff with a friend on Monday when they encountered trouble.

The girl was pulled from the water unconscious and remains in a critical condition in the Royal Hobart Hospital.

A GoFundMe page has so far raised $1600 from a target of $5000.

Page organiser Kylie Jaffray Stephenson said the funds would go to the girl’s mother who “does not need stress over accommodation or everyday expenses while away from work and their home”.

“This is a beautiful family that are there in a flash for people. Donation of prayers or money are appreciated for this dear girl and her mum. Thank you,” she said.

The girl’s school issued a statement yesterday.

“The St Brendan-Shaw College community extends its thoughts and prayers to the families of the two teenage girls involved in Monday’s near-drowning incident off the Mersey Bluff,” principal Frank Pisano said.

“We commend the actions of rescuers and emergency services and pray for the full recovery of both girls.”

A man who rushed to the girl’s aid has also been widely praised on social media.

Hobart’s Anthony King was one of two men who braved the waters 40 metres — not 400 metres as previously reported — offshore in the area known as the Hat a bid to save the girl’s life.