SUNSHINE COAST, QLD — Emergency crews raced to the Mooloolah River mouth at Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast early Wednesday morning following reports of a boat capsizing, only to discover that a well-known local fishing charter captain had tragically lost his life.
Authorities confirmed that 52-year-old Robert “Smithy” Smith, who operated Smithy’s Fishing Charters, was killed when his boat overturned while attempting to cross the notoriously dangerous river bar shortly after low tide. The vessel, carrying five people in total, capsized suddenly due to rough conditions at the crossing, leaving the captain trapped beneath the boat. Four passengers managed to reach shore, with one man in his 60s requiring hospitalization for chest pains while others declined medical treatment.
A distress call was received at approximately 5:19 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Mooloolaba Coast Guard, surf lifesavers, police, and Queensland Fire and Rescue. Lifeguards on jet skis quickly reached the overturned vessel, and rescue crews attempted to right the boat using tractors in a desperate bid to reach Smith. Despite their efforts, he was located unresponsive in the water and was declared dead shortly after being brought to shore.
Smith was a respected figure in the local fishing community, known for his expertise, professionalism, and generosity. Colleagues remembered him as a skilled skipper and a warm, approachable personality who mentored younger fishermen and welcomed visitors on his charters with enthusiasm. “He was always there to enjoy a laugh and share his knowledge with everyone on board,” said local fisherman James Brinton.
The Mooloolah bar has long been recognized as a hazardous crossing, with shifting sandbars, breaking waves, and unpredictable shoaling creating dangerous conditions for vessels, particularly at low tide. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is investigating the incident, with authorities emphasizing the need for caution when navigating the area.
The death of Smith has sent shockwaves through the Sunshine Coast community, with friends, family, and fellow fishing enthusiasts mourning the loss of a man whose life was devoted to the sea and the people who shared it. His passing serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in coastal boating, even for experienced professionals.
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, calls are growing for improved safety measures at the Mooloolah River mouth to prevent further loss of life. Smith’s legacy as a fisherman, mentor, and friend will be remembered fondly, and his absence will be deeply felt across the Sunshine Coast.