CARDWELL FISHERMAN PERISHES AT SEA

CARDWELL is in mourning after the loss of professional fisherman George Tsakisiris whose body was found off the coast near Hinchinbrook Island yesterday.

A massive sea and air search was launched after the 65- year- old’s boat was found overturned near Hecate Point about 7am yesterday before his body was found about 3.45pm.

It is understood he was a professional bait fisherman and may have been struggling with the weight of his fishing nets when the boat overturned.

Friends believe Mr Tsakisiris may have become entangled in the nets and drowned.

Cardwell resident Lindsay Hallam said Mr Tsakisiris had been a long- term member of the close- knit seaside community and would be sadly missed.

“George was a returned serviceman and the whole community would be grateful for the service he has made to country,” he said.

“He has lost his lost life in tragic circumstances following his passion.”

Mr Hallam said he used to buy seafood from Mr Tsakisiris, who had “fallen in love with the Hinchinbrook Channel”.

“No one would know the channel better than him for the amount of time he spent out there on his boat,” he said.

“It is an absolute tragedy and I really feel for his family and the extended fishing community.”

A police spokesman confirmed late last night they were in the process of formally identifying the body.

His body was discovered about 3km from where the boat was found in the channel area between Cardwell and Hinchinbrook Island.

It is understood he was found tangled in his bait nets.

Cairns water police Acting Sergeant Carl Bishop said they were still trying to piece together exactly what led to the death of Mr Tsakisiris.

“That will be subject to a coronial inquiry and the results of an autopsy,’’ he said.

“It might have been anything from an unknown medical condition or he may have just fallen overboard and drowned.

“He didn’t have any known medical conditions that we were aware of.

“It’s an unfortunate outcome, but we are glad we’ve been able to finalise it.”

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Bill Shannon said the death was a tragic loss for the tight- knit community.

“It is such a very sad loss especially in quite benign sea conditions,” he said.

“Cardwell is a small community and there is even a street there with his name and his family have had an association with that town for a long time.

“My condolences go out to his family and loves ones and it’s very sad news.”