NeBoS
29-03-2007, 09:23 AM
Thursday March 29, 08:12 AM
Three dead, one missing in ferry crash
By 7News
Three people are dead and a teenager remains missing after a ferry and a pleasure cruiser collided under Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Several other people have been injured, some seriously, as a result of the crash. One woman has lost part of her leg.
A Sydney Ferries HarbourCat hit the 10-metre private boat near Milson's Point, at about 10.45pm on Wednesday, causing it to roll and throwing a number of its 12 passengers into the water.
Witnesses said the wooden craft broke in two and then disintegrated as a result of the crash.
"There were people in the water, there was a lot of wreckage, lots of shouting, mayhem - it was a terrible sight," said Clive Marshall, who was on board the passing 'Fishburn' ferry at the time.
"[There were] people in the water and bits of boat, and the boat sinking and people screaming for their missing friends."
On Thursday morning, as a helicopter and police boat continued the search for the missing 14-year-old Queensland girl, pieces of the wreckage could be seen floating in the harbour.
"We have three deceased," said a NSW Ambulance Service spokesman. "Two women with serious injuries have gone to hospital."
The dead are believed to be two men and a woman.
Eight survivors were pulled from the water by a Sydney Ports vessel and a passing ferry.
It is believed the group was on the 'Kathy Casey' ice skating seminar organised by Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.
A 35-year-old woman is in a serious condition at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after having part of her left leg amputated.
A 40-year-old was taken to St Vincent's Hospital after suffering a broken pelvis.
The other passengers, including one child, were taken to the same two hospitals with less serious injuries.
"It is a particularly traumatic event, particularly for the number of people who witnessed what happened," said Superintendent Terry Dalton, of NSW Water Police.
Investigators say it is too early to say what caused the crash, which happened as the empty HarbourCat 'Pam Burridge' returned to its overnight mooring.
There is no speed limit, and little lighting, under the bridge.
The HarbourCat's driver and crew will be tested for alcohol and drugs, as will the captain of the motor cruiser, who survived the accident.
Both boats have been recovered from the scene and will be forensically examined by experts.
Three dead, one missing in ferry crash
By 7News
Three people are dead and a teenager remains missing after a ferry and a pleasure cruiser collided under Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Several other people have been injured, some seriously, as a result of the crash. One woman has lost part of her leg.
A Sydney Ferries HarbourCat hit the 10-metre private boat near Milson's Point, at about 10.45pm on Wednesday, causing it to roll and throwing a number of its 12 passengers into the water.
Witnesses said the wooden craft broke in two and then disintegrated as a result of the crash.
"There were people in the water, there was a lot of wreckage, lots of shouting, mayhem - it was a terrible sight," said Clive Marshall, who was on board the passing 'Fishburn' ferry at the time.
"[There were] people in the water and bits of boat, and the boat sinking and people screaming for their missing friends."
On Thursday morning, as a helicopter and police boat continued the search for the missing 14-year-old Queensland girl, pieces of the wreckage could be seen floating in the harbour.
"We have three deceased," said a NSW Ambulance Service spokesman. "Two women with serious injuries have gone to hospital."
The dead are believed to be two men and a woman.
Eight survivors were pulled from the water by a Sydney Ports vessel and a passing ferry.
It is believed the group was on the 'Kathy Casey' ice skating seminar organised by Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.
A 35-year-old woman is in a serious condition at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after having part of her left leg amputated.
A 40-year-old was taken to St Vincent's Hospital after suffering a broken pelvis.
The other passengers, including one child, were taken to the same two hospitals with less serious injuries.
"It is a particularly traumatic event, particularly for the number of people who witnessed what happened," said Superintendent Terry Dalton, of NSW Water Police.
Investigators say it is too early to say what caused the crash, which happened as the empty HarbourCat 'Pam Burridge' returned to its overnight mooring.
There is no speed limit, and little lighting, under the bridge.
The HarbourCat's driver and crew will be tested for alcohol and drugs, as will the captain of the motor cruiser, who survived the accident.
Both boats have been recovered from the scene and will be forensically examined by experts.