Thomas COURTO - Tragically located deceased
Thomas COURTO - Tragically located deceased
ABC - May 19th 2022
A recreational diver has found a bone belonging to Thomas Courto, seven months after the Wynyard man went on an ill-fated boating trip with two friends off Tasmania's north-west.
Mr Courto and two friends, Bree-Anna Thomas and Isaiah Dixon, set out on a trip from Wynyard on October 18 and failed to return.
Ms Thomas and Mr Dixon's bodies were found washed ashore two days later, but until now there has been no sign of Mr Courto.
Tasmania Police said the bone was found by a recreational diver on April 21 near Table Cape.
DNA testing confirmed the bone belonged to Mr Courto.
"Following the discovery of the bone … police divers thoroughly searched the area for three days, but sadly no further trace of Thomas was located," a spokeswoman said.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with Thomas's family and loved ones at this difficult time."
During the initial search in October, police used sonar technology to map and search the sea floor in the area.
It was one of the largest sea marine searches ever undertaken on the north-west coast.
The three friends' boat was last seen anchored in Boat Harbour, north-west of Wynyard, about midday on Monday, October 18.
They were reported missing that evening.
Search crews were on the water, in the air and on land.
The bodies of Ms Thomas and Mr Dixon were found washed ashore between Fossil Bluff and Table Cape two days later.