The skipper of a charter fishing boat has died after it capsized crossing the bar at Mooloolaba this morning.
52 year-old Robert Smith was leaving the Mooloolah River in his boat just after 5am, with four other people on board, when it was hit by a wave and overturned.
Three people made it to shore at the Spit uninjured while a fourth person was found with serious injuries nearby and taken to hospital in a serious condition from a pre-existing medical condition.
Mr Smith has run Smithy’s Fishing Charters for 18 years.
His mates rushed to Mooloolaba Spit this morning when news of the incident broke.
Emergency crews, council staff with tractors and members of the public rushed to the boat where it washed up at The Spit fearing Mr Smith may have been trapped inside.
Surf lifesavers also joined in the search and his body was eventually found in the water.
Chief Inspector Jason Overland said Mr Smith was a well known member of the Sunshine Coast fishing community and his loss will hit hard.
Queensland Ambulance Service Senior Operations Supervisor, Grant Williams, said the incident could have been worse if the other people on the boat weren’t wearing life jackets.
