A well-known boatie has died after a vessel overturned on a dangerous sandbar, forcing a passenger to swim to safety using an esky.
The commercial fishing charter boat was navigating the sandbar at Mooloolaba in Queensland's Sunshine Coast before being struck by a wave and flipping on Wednesday morning.
It sent all five occupants into the water and sparked a major police rescue operation.
Police said four people safely made it to shore, but the skipper - fishing charter operator of 18 years Robert Smith - was later located deceased.
"The captain of the vessel was a well-known charter boat operator and was taking people out on fishing tours and had been doing so for some time," Inspector Jason Overland told reporters.
Emergency crews and bystanders had initially thought the skipper was trapped in the capsized boat.
"Any and all efforts were made by everyone to try and determine if the captain ... was still within the vessel," Insp Overland said.
Three of the survivors made it to shore unassisted while the fourth used an esky or esky lid, police said.
Whether occupants of the boat had been wearing life jackets will form part of police investigations.
Waves surrounding the sandbar could be quite treacherous, Insp Overland said.
"Crossing any (sand) bar is treacherous at any time, really, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority investigation will investigate what part that played in the tragedy," he said.
Local MP Fiona Simpson had been calling for a long-term solution for the sandbar for a decade and wanted the investigation to probe solutions.
"There is a family that's facing a great deal of trauma and tragedy," she told reporters.
"There needs to be a full investigation into the circumstances, and also to the best long-term solution for this harbour entrance."
Tributes began on social media for Mr Smith, with his company Smithy's Fishing Charters sharing the "great sadness" of the tragic capsize.
"He was not only a beloved Husband, Son, Father, Brother, and Friend, but also a passionate fisherman who loved sharing the ocean with so many of you," a statement on Facebook read.
Others described Mr Smith as a kind and gentle soul with an endless knowledge of fishing.
"I cannot thank you enough for the opportunities Smithy has given me and how he is always so welcoming and caring," Lucas Haines wrote on Facebook.
"You had a wealth of knowledge and shared it with everyone."
Another local wrote that it was a "dark and sad day" for the fishing community.
"We have lost a friend, a good mate and legend among men in an absolute tragedy this morning at Mooloolaba," another local posted.
