Probe after boat carrying 200 slams into Melbourne dock
Five people, including a primary school-aged boy, have been rushed to hospital after a party boat crashed into a wharf in Melbourne.
The driver has been suspended and WorkSafe is investigating.
What started as a relaxing cruise around the bay ended in chaos with the crash at Docklands.
Images of the aftermath show the large wooden pylons at the pier splintered upon impact with the boat. Nine
The Lady Cutler Showboat had been carrying more than 200 passengers from a Somali community group.
The group was enjoying an annual get together until celebrations came to a halt when the vessel smashed into a wooden pylon and concrete wall about 6pm on Saturday.
Images of the aftermath show the large wooden pylons at the pier splintered.
The boat is described online a the city's largest cruise vessel and boasts five-star service.
Shattered bottles on the floor after the crash. Nine
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Passenger Miski Award said the incident was "very shocking".
"We had a disaster, we had an accident," Award said.
"It was very scary."
Five people, including a primary school-aged boy needed hospital treatment after the boat crash. Nine
Another passenger described a "really big bang" as the boat slammed into the wharf.
"People went flying, chairs went flying, really bad injuries," party-goer Juaria said.
"A lot of people broke their teeth, someone was pregnant and they hurt themselves," said Nadia, who was also on board.
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Paramedics checked over several passengers.
Five people were taken to hospital including a young boy and four women aged in their 40s and 50s.
All are in a stable condition.
Somali Community Leader Farah Warsame said people were desperate for answers.
"(A) few people got injured, including a pregnant women and children as well," he said.
Police questioned the ship's captain and he underwent a breath test.
He has been suspended by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Lady Cutler is currently halted from setting sail.
WorkSafe and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority are trying to determine what led to the crash.
The boat was carrying a Somali community group when it hit the dock, damaging the hull. Nine
Authorities are investigating after several people on a party boat were injured after it crashed into a dock in Melbourne.The Lady Cutler show boat with around 200 on board collided with Central Pier at Docklands, Melbourne about 5:30 pm on Saturday. Instagram
They are investigating whether the captain was distracted while he was docking the vessel.
The Lady Cutler's operator has apologised and said it is "devastated" after the incident.
"We have been operating on the Melbourne waters for 15 years giving people a safe and enjoyable experience," a statement said.
"The contributing facts for this incident will be investigated internally by the appropriate authorities."
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