'Spirit of Tasmania' helps save seven stranded after boat capsizes

The Spirit of Tasmania ferry pitched in to help with a rescue operation off the coast of Victoria overnight.

Emergency services were called when a boat capsized in Corio Bay off Geelong at about 8.20pm.

A large police operation was launched, involving the marine unit, water police and Air Wing, to assist in the rescue effort.

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The coast guard and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry also deployed rescue boats.

The capsized boat's seven occupants were brought to safety and medically assessed at the scene.

What caused the boat to capsize is under investigation.

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