![](https://syndicates.s3.amazonaws.com/aap/Yacht_4-3_23227978_2125985_20221004091028d82380ad-0ac2-4086-8059-037b95553d67_sd_800x600.jpg)
A man and a woman involved in a deadly yacht accident off Tasmania were not wearing life jackets, with police examining whether choppy conditions played a role in the tragedy.
The 59-year-old man from Punchbowl was found dead in the water at Badger Beach, northwest of Launceston, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
He had fallen overboard from a 7.8-metre yacht, which was anchored about 300 metres offshore.
An 18-year-old woman from Punchbowl also fell overboard but was rescued and taken back to shore.
Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Rob King said the incident is not being treated as suspicious.
"Any loss of life is tragic, particularly in circumstances such as this," Acting Inspector King told reporters.
"Tragic for the family and friends, harrowing for police and other services that attend to respond to these incidents.
"It serves as a timely reminder that when people are engaged in activities outdoors, particularly on the water, to exercise caution, follow the rules and not exceed their experience levels."
He said the pair was related but would not go into any further details.
"It appears at this stage that neither party was wearing a life jacket at the time," he said.
The woman was taken to Launceston General Hospital by ambulance after receiving help from volunteers at Tamar Sea Rescue.
Investigators will examine if bad weather contributed to the accident.
"Last night the weather wasn't good. It was fairly windy and choppy," Acting Inspector King said.
"Police will be taking that into account in the course of preparing a report for the coroner."
The dead man is believed to have been the skipper and his body was located by Westpac Rescue Helicopter, which arrived on the scene two hours after the initial call for help.
Acting Inspector King said the timing of its arrival on the scene was constrained due to conditions in Hobart.