Ship’s master Jim Woo Jun to plead guilty to bulk carrier collision off Hay Point: court

After two bulk carriers collided near one of the world’s largest coal ports, lawyers for a foreign shipmaster charged with the incident have told a Queensland court he will be pleading guilty.

After two bulk carriers collided near one of the world’s largest coal ports, lawyers for a foreign shipmaster charged with the incident have said he will be pleading guilty.

A cargo ship’s captain will plead guilty to causing a collision with another boat near one of the world’s largest coal ports, a Queensland court has heard.

Jin Woo Jun was shipmaster of the bulk carrier HL Eco when it allegedly collided with another bulker on July 16, 2024 at the Port of Hay Point, south of Mackay.

Marcus Hahn of McKays Solicitors, acting as town agent for Aus Ship Lawyers and Correspondents, said he had instructions Mr Jun would be pleading guilty to the charge.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard him also request the matter’s transfer to Townsville for sentence.

Commonwealth prosecutor Sam Lanskey did not oppose the transfer, noting his counterparts at Aus Ship Lawyers had been briefed.

While the charge is in the Commonwealth’s jurisdiction, Mr Lanskey previously agreed to a summary determination meaning it would be dealt with in the magistrates court.

Mr Jun’s charge is a contravention of Marine Order 30, which details internationally agreed measures to avoid collision, including the navigation, management and working of a vessel, and the lights and signals used.

He was released from custody in late July with a $30,000 cash bail and returned to Korea soon after.

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan enlarged Mr Jun’s bail and adjourned the matter for sentence on September 30 in Townsville Magistrates Court.