Ausmarine - Maritime Security

Several injuries reported after tour boat hits rock wall in Western Australia

Baird Maritime

Authorities in Western Australia have confirmed that several people were injured after a tour boat struck a rock wall on Friday, May 27.

Local media said a vessel operated by tour company Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures crashed into a rock wall at the Horizontal Falls nature preserve in Kimberley shortly after 07:00 local time on Friday.

Responding medical personnel immediately deployed to the area and rescued all 26 passengers and two crewmembers who were on the boat. Some of the occupants suffered significant injuries requiring surgery, though none of the injuries are considered to be life-threatening.

Earlier this week, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said that the boat did not capsize and none of its occupants fell into the water following the crash, contrary to earlier reports.

The AMSA has also issued a notice instructing the boat's operator not to conduct further tours in the area while the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Greg Witherall, AMSA's national operations manager, said that the agency hopes the next seven to ten days will provide a better understanding of the events that led to the crash.

The injured victims were subsequently transported to various hospitals in Perth. Three of them have since been discharged.