Day: April 16, 2019

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a fatal crash at Rye. It is believed a vehicle was travelling along Browns Road about 4.30pm when the driver lost control and collided with a tree. The male driver and sole occupant, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

POLICE divers recovered the body of a Hastings man who drowned off Somers, Sunday 14 April. The man, 38, and a friend were kayaking when he fell out and disappeared about 11am. His mate, who by this time had paddled to shore, borrowed a phone from a passer-by and called 000 for help. Volunteer Marine Rescue and Coast Guard Western Port based at Hastings were on the scene within 12 minutes and, with the Police Air Wing high above, began a four hour search. The VMR crew found the kayak nose up but sunk in four metres of water about…

AN apprentice based at the Long Island Point plant, Hastings, is the fourth generation of his family to work at Esso’s Western Port and Gippsland operations. Thomas Mutimer, 18, follows his father Paul, an operations supervisor, grandfather, Ron, who worked at the Barry Beach Marine Terminal, and his great-grandfather, who worked on the Glomar III drillship, to work for Esso, either at Long Island Point or in Gippsland. Thomas was part of an intake of apprentices from Federation Training and WPC Group, who says he was always interested in “all things electrical”, and describes himself as a “hands-on learner”. “I…