An experienced yachtie who drowned in northern Tasmania was trying to secure his boat in rough weather when his dinghy flipped.
The 66-year-old man and his wife went out to their 30-foot yacht on the Tamar River at Deviot on Wednesday afternoon after noticing it was loose on its mooring.
"The lady safely moved from the dinghy onto the yacht," Tasmania Police Inspector Ruth Orr told reporters.
They then tried to secure the inflatable dinghy to the yacht, so he could do the same.
"It appears in all likelihood, due to the weather conditions at the time, that the dinghy has flipped ... and that's thrown the man into the water," Insp Orr said.
His wife called emergency services, who were able to pull the man from the river. They performed CPR but he couldn't be revived.
Tasmania's north has been hit by wild winds and rain the past few days, with Insp Orr noting conditions were "pretty bad" at the time.
She said the tide was also on its way out and had created very choppy water.
"The man involved was quite an experienced sailor with extensive experience and has skippered boats," Insp Orr said.
"Regardless of your experience, knowledge ... in operating boats, you do need to be mindful and take heed of weather warnings."
The man was wearing a life jacket, and his wife has previously crewed boats. The pair lived nearby, overlooking the river from their home.
An investigation will be conducted by the coroner and Marine and Safety Tasmania.
