Pro fisherman Suny Platen faces court over the death of Jed Farraway in boating accident

A Calliope professional fisherman has faced court over the tragic boating crash in waters near Rockhampton that claimed the life of one man, and left three others injured. Here’s what we know.

A Calliope man has faced court over a tragic boating crash in waters near Rockhampton in April that claimed the life of Jed Henry John Farraway, 28, and left three others injured.

Suny Shane Platen, 31, was charged on June 28 with three counts of general obligation on persons involved with the operation of a ship to operate it safely caused death or grievous bodily harm and one count of having operated a ship as master while not appropriately licensed.

Suny, who is a pro fisherman, was allegedly not appropriately licensed when he allegedly unsafely operated a vessel on April 3, 2022 at Port Alma, causing the death of Jed Henry John Farraway and grievous bodily harm to Morgan Josef Sims and Boyden Ian Douglas Mason.

Avid fisherman Jed Farraway tragically died in a boating incident at Port Alma.

A search for Mr Farraway was underway at 7.53am on April 3 after the boat reportedly crashed into a buoy.

About 5pm that day, the search ended with a friend finding Mr Farraway’s body in the water at Port Alma.

A man in his 20s was flown to Rockhampton Hospital in a serious condition with chest, abdominal and leg injuries following the incident.

Another man in his mid-20s was treated for leg and back injuries, while a man in his 30s was treated for chest, leg and facial injuries.

Crews search for missing fisherman Jed Farraway at Port Alma. Picture: Steve Vit

Mr Suny first appeared in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on the charges on July 29.

Most recently, he had his matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on October 19 where he was represented by Cassandra Ditchfield, a solicitor at Kenny and Partners Lawyers.

Ms Ditchfield informed the court she had received a brief of evidence and had taken initial instructions from her client.

“There is some further research and case conferencing that is to be undertaken,” she said.

Jed Farraway.

“The research may take a little bit of time because there is a decent amount of material to go through.”

Magistrate Cameron Press adjourned Mr Platen’s matters to December 7.

Mr Platen’s bail was enlarged.