Officers from Murray River Police District have commenced an investigation following the death of a 19-year-old woman in a boating accident at Deniliquin in the state’s south-west earlier today.
About 2.30pm (Sunday 11 October 2020) emergency services were called to the Edward River near Deniliquin, following reports a boat had struck a partially submerged tree in the river.
The boat, described as a 4.3 metre flat-bottomed fishing boat, sustained significant damage after hitting the tree. The two people on board the boat, a 29-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, both struck their heads on the boat and were knocked unconscious.
A short time later, the man regained consciousness and managed to gain the attention of nearby residents, who contacted police.
Residents and a fisherman commenced CPR on the woman until the arrival of first responders. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man was taken to Deniliquin hospital for mandatory testing and treatment for head injuries.
A crime scene was established, and the boat seized for forensic examination.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
