Rivercat Master Charged

[Mondo Rock]

I know of a few boaties who won't be surprised that a Rivercat captain has finally been charged with the maritime equivalent of reckless driving:

Police have charged the master of a Sydney Ferries RiverCat that ploughed into a fishing boat this month, killing a fisherman.

The 72-year-old died in St Vincent's Hospital eight days after the Dawn Fraser RiverCat ran into his aluminium runabout on Sydney Harbour on the morning of January 5.

The fisherman had to have his right leg amputated and suffered a heart attack during the incident.

NSW Police today charged the 51-year-old RiverCat master with culpable navigation in a manner dangerous, causing death through impact.

He will appear in Downing Centre Local Court on March 8.

A spokesman for Sydney Ferries said the company would not comment, except to say the incident would be appropriately investigated.

The Master of Dawn Fraser is on leave and has accepted counselling offered by Sydney Ferries, he said.

A terrible incident for all involved - but good to see that the ferries don't get a free-pass when it comes to obeying safety rules.