A man died this Saturday, September 30, in Sydney, Australia, after a violent collision between a boat and a whale. Another person was injured in the accident, but their life prognosis is uncertain.
A 61-year-old man died and another 53-year-old captain was hospitalized off the coast of eastern Australia after his boat capsized, apparently struck by a whale, on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
According to New South Wales Water Police Acting Superintendent Siobhan Munro, the incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. local time (20:00 GMT) while the two men were in the waters of La Perouse, 14 kilometers southeast of Sydney, said the police.
“Upon police arrival, the two men who were on board a boat were rescued, however one of them was confirmed dead.” She also mentioned that initial reports indicate that a whale was struck or struck near the boat could have broken apart. The boat has been recovered and is undergoing forensic examinations.
Increase in the number of whales in Australian waters
The event took place on the first day of Australia’s National Safe Boating Week, which runs from September 30 to October 6. Organized by the Australia & New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group, the aim of this initiative is to highlight the importance of wearing life jackets.
According to reports from CNN affiliate Channel 7, it was reported that the two men involved in the accident did not appear to be wearing anything. Siobhan Munro noted: “This is a stark reminder of the boating season and the danger it can pose to our waterways.”
The official also announced that police “will be present on waterways, including river dams, to conduct compliance checks, drug and alcohol testing and everything we do to keep the community safe.”
Australia’s Maritime Safety Authority has issued warnings about increasing numbers of whales in Australian waters this year, recommending swimmers and boaters stay 100 meters away from a whale and 300 meters away from a whale accompanied by a calf, such as from information provided by the broadcaster 7.