MP and staffer injured after oyster barge hits sandbar in Tasmania

Incident Overview

Federal MP Tony Pasin and a staff member were injured after an oyster barge hit a sandbar in northern Tasmania, the ABC reported on 16 July 2026. Police said one man fell from the barge and was briefly trapped between the vessel and the sandbar.

The available reporting did not establish whether Mr Pasin or his staff member was the person who fell. Both said they were injured and receiving medical treatment.

Workplace, Location and Time

The incident occurred near Bakers Beach, north-west of Launceston, after a group returned from an oyster-farm tour. Tasmanian police said the barge struck a sandbar at about 9:30am on Thursday, 16 July 2026.

Worker and Incident Details

The people involved were South Australian federal MP Tony Pasin and a staff member travelling with him. Police said the man who fell was quickly retrieved by others aboard the barge and received medical assistance at the scene. The source did not identify the oyster-farm operator or the vessel owner.

Injuries or Fatality

The man who fell was taken to Launceston General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Mr Pasin said both he and his staff member were injured and receiving treatment. No fatality was reported.

Emergency and Regulator Response

Tasmania Police attended and reported that other people on the barge helped retrieve the man. WorkSafe Tasmania and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority were notified. General information for people affected by a workplace injury is available from workers compensation lawyers.

Investigation or Court Update

No charge, prosecution or finding of liability was reported in the available source. The police account and regulator notifications describe the response, not a final conclusion about the cause or responsibility.

Sources

• ABC News — Member for Barker and staffer injured in ‘man overboard’ incident after oyster farm tour (16–17 July 2026)