Lawyers look into responsibility for Reef death
A major personal injury compensation firm has begun an independent investigation into the circumstances around the death of a passenger last month on a tour operated by Reef Experience.
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A major personal injury compensation firm has begun an independent investigation into the circumstances around the death of a passenger last month on a tour operated by Reef Experience.
Adrian Meyer, 71, was visiting the Far North from South Australia on a bucket list Great Barrier Reef trip with his children, when tragedy struck.
The family travelled to Norman Reef on November 20 and in a perfect storm of tragedy, Mr Meyer suffered a medical episode when he was swept away while snorkelling, before a rescue boat sank while trying to retrieve him.
Paramedics travelling 60km from Cairns via helicopter arrived too late and the South Australian man could not be saved.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has ordered a comprehensive review by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, and the northern coroner is investigating.
While not commenting about this specific matter, Travis Schultz of Travis Schultz and Partners said Mr Meyer’s death was a timely reminder for all operators of high-risk experiences to revisit their responsibilities.
“(To ensure) they follow all maintenance and safety procedures, as they are ultimately responsible for people’s lives,” he said.
“If an incident occurs, the business operator needs to show the regulator that they have used an effective risk management process. This responsibility is covered by their primary duty of care in the Safety in Recreational Water Activities Act 2011.
“Tragically, injuries and even fatalities can and do occur in these types of activities. More than ever, people need reassuring that their tour operator is fully compliant with regulations for them to feel safe and comfortable with the experience.”
Travis Schultz and Partners is assisting police and undertaking its own investigations into the incident.
The law firm is keen to hear from others who may have any relevant information.
Daughter of Mr Meyer, Angela Henson, grappling to come to terms with her loss and her own horrific near death experience, slammed the tour operator for what she alleged was poor handling of the incident.
“Being greeted by lawyers, before the police and the undertaker, demonstrates a lack of compassion and empathy,” she said.
“It was hard to believe.
“As well as that, I had also faced my own mortality that day. We all struggled in the dangerous conditions, including the crew, and were physically exhausted from fighting the strong current.
“I could see that people were in danger, unable to get back to the boat and highly distressed, with many crying and shouting out. This escalated when the only lifeboat capsized and sank, and there was then no other means to get all these people to safety.”
Mr Meyer’s son, Nick Meyer, says he was “fiercely fighting” for change and wants to see a thorough investigation and the laws reviewed to make sure this never happens again.
“Safety needs to be the number one consideration for tour operators who provide these commercial diving experiences designed to create profits,” Mr Meyer said.
Previously, a Reef Experience spokesman said: “We are currently assisting the authorities with their investigations and as such we are unable to provide any information relating to the matter at this point in time.”
“We will provide further details as and when they become available.”
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