The company and master of the vessel responsible for a boat crash that injured a group of tourists at Horizontal Falls in WAs Kimberley region will be defending charges laid against them.
Several passengers and two crew members were on board the vessel, called the Falls Express, when it hit rocks as it travelled through the 7.5 m gap at the popular tourist attraction in May last year.
Several people were injured at the remote location and six aircraft were sent to the hospital.
They have been transferred to medical facilities in Derby, Koolan Island, Broome, Koolan Island, Derby and Perth.
An Australian Maritime Safety Authority investigation led to the company, Journey Beyond Adventures and the master of the vessel, Edward Whisson, being charged with two safety-related offenses.
Today, a lawyer appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on their behalf and said both parties would be defending the charges.
Magistrate Robert Young, 50, said pleas of not guilty had been entered and the matter was adjourned until October, when a date for the trial could be set.
Magistrate Young asked whether the case should be transferred to the Kimberley region because that was where the crash was alleged to have happened, but the prosecution said the intent was for it to remain in Perth.
8 Comments
Loubianka
If there have been no similar incidents in the past involving the company and master, it could be argued that this was a one-time occurrence that does not warrant severe consequences.
Noir Black
If the boat hit rocks, it suggests that there were inadequate safety measures in place on the vessel, putting the lives of the passengers at risk.
Eugene Alta
Dozens of people were injured as a result of the boat crash, highlighting the severity of the incident and the need for accountability.
BuggaBoom
The injuries sustained by the tourists may have long-term consequences on their physical and mental well-being, further highlighting the need for accountability.
Tyutyunya
The company and master of the vessel have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their passengers, and should face consequences if they failed to fulfill these obligations.
Muchacha
The fact that six aircraft had to be deployed to rush the injured tourists to various medical facilities emphasizes the gravity of the incident and the resources required to address it.
Bella Ciao
Incidents like this can have a negative impact on the tourism industry in the Kimberley region, affecting local businesses and livelihoods.
Muchacho
The company's and master's reputation may have been tarnished as a result of the incident, and they should be held accountable for any damage caused.