Mackay epicentre of Queensland's marine mishaps

by Media Services on 20 Jul 2010 15 percent of boating accidents in Queensland last year occurred on Mackay waters. There were 112 marine incidences in the Mackay region in 2009, including one fatality and three resulting in serious injury, according to a Maritime Safety Qld report tabled in parliament last week.

The incident rate in Mackay and Cairns was well above that of the rest of the state. In Mackay, the rate was 60 per cent for reported marine incidents per 10,000 registered vessels.

Three quarters of Mackay’s 112 marine incidents happened in the Whitsunday area. Of those, 44 per cent involved a grounding incident, while 64 per cent occurred on hire and dive vessels.

Although there was only one fatality recorded in Mackay, there was a spike in marine-related fatalities across Queensland. There were 14 marine incidents last year that resulted in 20 deaths.

The report shows one-third of fatalities were associated with extreme weather events, highlighting the need for boaties to make more informed choices about when to go out on the water.

The consumption of alcohol and/or illegal drugs was involved in six deaths in four separate marine incidents.

Error in judgement was a contributing factor in 10 fatal incidents which resulted in the deaths of 16 people and failure to keep a proper lookout played a role in two single-fatality incidents.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said many of the fatal incidents were arguably foreseeable and avoidable. 'Boaties need to be aware that their actions or lack of action on the water can have devastating consequences,' she said.

Queensland had about 5000 more recreational vessels registered in 2009, bringing the total to more than 233,000.

'There are more recreational vessels than ever on the water in Queensland and people need to take more care,' Ms Nolan said. 'Boat operators and their passengers need to understand they are responsible for their actions and if they do the wrong thing, there can be a terrible price to pay.

'With boating and other water activities such a part of Queensland’s culture, it’s important that everyone take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip and a safe return.'

The '2009 Marine Incidents Report' can be downloaded at www.msq.qld.gov.au.