Elvina Bay: 20yo woman dies after two-boat collision on Sydney’s northern beaches

Police are investigating whether a 20-year-old woman and her 19-year-old boyfriend were “racing” in separate boats at the time of their deadly collision in the dark on Pittwater, north of Sydney.

A 20-year-old woman has died and her 19-year-old boyfriend was seriously injured after their boats collided in the dark in Pittwater, north of Sydney.

It’s understood the pair were in separate five-metre runabout boats when the accident happened near Elvina Bay on Sunday night.

Police are investigating the circumstances that lead to the crash and whether the pair, who were both locals, were “racing”.

Shaken witnesses said they heard people screaming for help about 7pm when the crash happened.

The woman died at the scene, while her boyfriend was flown to Royal North Shore Hospital where he underwent surgery and was on Monday in a serious but stable condition.

Elvina Bay, seen from Church Point, where the fatal boat collision occurred.

Detective Superintendent Murray Reynold said the woman was dead in one of the boats when police arrived.

“It is a tragedy, it’s a horrific set of circumstances, sadly a young lady has lost her life,” he said.

Flowers left on the wharf in Church Point.

Detective Superintendent Murray Reynolds. Picture: Gaye Gerard

“It forms a part of our investigation but we understand that these two people have come from the local area and we understand that they were known to each other.”

The Superintendent couldn’t confirm or deny whether alcohol, speed or safety equipment played a crucial part in the crash.

“We will look at all the circumstances including whether alcohol was a factor and certainly if safety equipment was being used,” he said.

“The vessels have been seized and are currently undergoing a forensic examination.”

Elvina Bay, seen from Church Point, where the fatal boat collision occurred.

Despite there being no indication of light use on the boats, Mr Reynolds said the area of Elvina Bay, west of Scotland Island, is known to be hazardous after dark and urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in investigations.

“The area itself is extremely dark,” he said.
“We appeal for any witnesses that may have information to come forward or contact crime stoppers.”

Elvina Bay is just west of Scotland Island.

NSW Ambulance inspector Christie Marks said paramedics transporting the injured man to hospital had to be winched down from a helicopter to a jetty amid difficult conditions due to darkness and the remote location.

“I’m sorry that there’s been such a tragic outcome in this case,” she said.

“Our aeromedical team did really well accessing the patient under the circumstances.

“(The man) suffered multiple cuts and bruises to his face and legs for which paramedics provided pain management.

“This was a major mobilisation of emergency services in very difficult circumstances – pitch black, across cold water, in a very inaccessible location.”