The body of a diver who went missing off Tasmania's picturesque east coast has been discovered by the group he initially went diving with.
Search efforts began on Monday night after a man, believed to be in his 30s, didn't return to the group he was diving with.
The group of six had been diving about 50 metres from shore, off an area known as 'the gardens'.
Tasmania Police Inspector Luke Manhood said a man's body was found underwater on Tuesday morning near where the group had been.
Insp Manhood said the diving group, including the man's brother, were the ones who found the body.
It is believed the man was from Western Australia, wasn't an experienced diver and was found without a dive belt.
"(The group is) very, very distressed, (it is) obviously very tragic circumstances. We're offering our support to them as best we can," Insp Manhood told reporters.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The search involved volunteers, police and a rescue helicopter.
