Investigators allege cruise vessels could illegally dump effluent into Sydney Harbour

The owner of a cruise boat on which a woman died in the toilet allegedly has four other vessels with pipes which could illegally dump effluent into Sydney Harbour — and The Daily Telegraph can reveal he owns another company which pocketed $4 million in taxpayer funds to relocate nearby.

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The owner of a cruise boat on which a woman died in the toilet allegedly has four other vessels with pipes which could illegally dump effluent into Sydney Harbour — and The Daily Telegraph can reveal he owns another company which pocketed $4 million in taxpayer funds to relocate nearby.

Investigators examining the circumstances surrounding the death of Shalina Abdul Hussein, 39, on board Lady Rose last month have broadened their search to the remainder of All Occasion Cruises fleet, owned by Joe Elias and made the grim discovery about unrestricted pipes as well as toilets which were loose and not sealed, allowing the release of potentially deadly hydrogen sulphide gas from sewage tanks, several sources close the investigation have revealed.

Owner of All Occasion Cruises Joe Elias owns another company which pocketed $4 million in taxpayer funds to relocate nearby. Picture: Toby Zerna

Shalina Abdul Hussein, 39, died after being overcome with hydrogen sulphide in a toilet.

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Toxicology reports indicate Ms Hussein was overcome with hydrogen sulphide when she was found slumped in a toilet on the Lady Rose on February 2.

Investigators from Roads and Maritime NSW, marine area command police and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority have discovered a custom-built sewage pipe on the Lady Rose was connected to the diesel exhaust outlet.

According to investigators, while this particular pipe modification was not found to be present on the remainder of the seven boats in the fleet, five did have unrestricted valves or pipes which potentially allow sewage to be released into the harbour, which is illegal.

Releasing sewage is legal in the open ocean only.

Investigators discovered unrestricted pipes as well as toilets which were loose and not sealed, allowing the release of potentially deadly hydrogen sulphide gas from sewage tanks. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Mr Elias on Tuesday denied pipes on his other vessels had been used for illegal dumping in the harbour.

He said All Occasion Cruises abides by environmental regulations and had “extensive records” of appropriate action.

Meanwhile, taxpayers copped a $5 million bill — including $4 million in settlement fees to Mr Elias’s marine company and $1 million in legal costs to successfully evict his company Blackwattle Bay Marine from 100 Pyrmont Bridge Rd, to make way for the new Sydney Fish Market.

Ms Hussein’s death happened in early February on board Lady Rose. Picture: 7 News

The confidential settlement ended a protracted court battle in which Mr Elias, the brother of former NRL player Benny Elias, was fighting the Baird and then Berejiklian governments to remain at the dilapidated 3800sqm site, under a long-term lease.

Under the lease he was meant to redevelop the site, including an expanded and upgraded commercial marina, but this never eventuated.

The settlement was paid to secure Blackwattle Bay Marine’s move in May last year across the water to 37 Bank St, Pyrmont, a government source confirmed.

“You will appreciate that we do not comment on commercial transactions relating to our move to Bank St. However we note your information is inaccurate,” Mr Elias said.