Death in NT rocks family

A FREAK boating accident had killed a former Geelong man in the Northern Territory.
Fifty-five-year-old Mark Hanlon died while cleaning his 10-metre fishing boat on a sand bank off Cullen Bay.
Northern Territory Police said the vessel tipped, pinning Mr Hanlon against the sand bank.
Emergency and rescue crews rushed to the scene but he was already dead, police said.
Mr Hanlon had beached his vessel with four other people on the sand bank to clean the boat’s hull.
Police believed the tide suddenly tipped the boat onto Mr Hanlon.
People on boats anchored nearby had seen the emergency crews at the scene but were unaware of the accident, police said.
Authorities were still investigating the accident for a report to the Northern Territory coroner.
Mr Hanlon moved from Geelong to the Northern Territory 15 years ago to work toward his dream of owning a fishing charter service.
He spent years fishing in the area as a commercial fisherman before starting Paradise Fishing Tours near Darwin in 1995.
Tributes flowed for the former electrician in Geelong this week.
Death notices described the beloved father-of-five as “determined” and a “strong leader”.
A notice from Mr Hanlon’s father, Ross, described his son as “a true friend”.
“A determined, capable and courageous man who made the most of every moment,” he said.
Family and friends recalled Mr Hanlon’s “vitality” and “laughter”.
“Mark dreamed about the adventures he could have in his life and then had the courage to live his dream,” a notice said.
“He loved a challenge, challenging himself, those around him and his environment to consider new possibilities.
“As a brother, brother-in-law and uncle, Mark asked questions, questioned answers and wanted to know why.
“We love you and will miss you so very much.”