A teenage girl who was pulled unconscious from choppy waters off Tasmania's north coast last week has died in hospital.
Georgia Lewtas, 14, was swimming with a friend off Devonport's Merseys Bluff last Monday afternoon when the pair got into trouble.
She was rushed to Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition after a dramatic rescue but died on Sunday, police have confirmed.
Father of three Anthony King swam out to reach her and kept her afloat until rescue boats arrived.
Georgia was taken to shore by a Devonport Surf Club boat as Mr King clung to the vessel's side.
"I was starting to fear for my own safety but I couldn't just leave her," he told local radio in the hours after the ordeal.
Georgia's family has thanked emergency services and passers-by in a statement released by police.
"They have thanked the good Samaritans that went to the aid of Georgia when she was in the water," Inspector Stuart Wilkinson said.
"Understandably this is a very distressing time."
Her friend made it to land safely and was treated for shock.
