The death of Canberra mother-of-two Toni Forder in a sinking houseboat in the Northern Territory on Thursday has been described as a freak accident and tragedy.
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The 45-year-old was killed when the vessel she was travelling on was struck by wind gusts in excess of 85 kilometres an hour and overturned.
The houseboat sank on the Corroboree Billabong shortly before 5pm.
The area is part of the Mary River National Park, about 90km southeast of Darwin.
Northern Territory Police said two of the rented boats were moored together when the storm tipping the vessel O Jenny.
The 11 other members of the group sought safety before realising one person was missing.
Ms Forder, a public servant, is believed to have been alone in a cabin and had to be pulled from the boat in waters known to be home to some of Australia’s highest concentration of crocodiles.
Police met the group, which included adults and children, at a boat ramp about 30km away, where paramedics continued resuscitation attempts.
Ms Forder was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed a a second woman received treatment for minor injuries at the Royal Darwin Hospital before being released.
Mary River Houseboats operator John Morton said he was shocked by the freak accident.
‘‘Two houseboats were tied up together in the billabong. A group of three of were out fishing in the area and came back in time to see one of the houseboats get blown over by an unbelievable tornado, cyclone type thing, a very strong wind,’’ he said.
"These houseboats have been operating on the billabong for about 28 years and there’s never been anything like it before."
Mr Morton said the boats conformed with Northern Territory marine regulations and had current survey certificates, life jackets and other safety equipment.
"People are very much shocked and devastated by what has happened," he said.
Other members of the group were taken to Darwin on Friday while the investigation continues, including through the use of underwater cameras.
Water police and officers from Humpty Doo Police assisted at the scene.
NT Police Territory response team coordinator Superintendent Dean Moloney said the investigation was ongoing.
‘‘We will be interviewing a whole range of people in and around this incident and that will all form part of the investigation for the coroner,’’ he said.
‘‘In my experience, I have not heard of anything like this incident happening before.’’
He praised efforts of the group, including those who dived into the dangerous waters to attempt the rescue.
Family friend and Ainslie Gungahlin Bears Baseball Club president Graham Vickers said Ms Forder would be remembered as a caring and generous person.
Mr Vickers, speaking at the request of the family, said Ms Forder was devoted to children, son Lachlan and daughter Cassie, and to her husband Glenn.
‘‘It was devastating news for everybody,’’ he said.
‘‘She was a joy to have around and one of the reasons the club works as it does. She and Glenn were everywhere with the kids and Toni was the first person to put her hand up and offer to do more.’’
