Port Macquarie: Emergency Services united in quick call to action after houseboat explosion

Emergency services were united in their efforts to retrieve a stricken vessel and assist the injured people on board after a treacherous night on the water in Port Macquarie.

Paramedics have been praised for their quick actions in responding to Wednesday’s horrific houseboat explosion on the Hastings River, Port Macquarie.

NSW Ambulance responded to a call about 7.50pm on Wednesday to reports multiple people had been injured in the blast, the cause of which initial investigations believed was from a gas cylinder leak.

Two people were injured in the incident, including a 54-year-old man who reportedly suffered significant burns to more than half his body.

The damage caused during Wednesday's gas explosion on board a houseboat. Pics Marine Rescue NSW

Marine Rescue and emergency services have responded to a houseboat fire on the Hastings River, Port Macquarie.

He was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition, while a 16-year-old was assessed at Port Macquarie Base Hospital before being discharged on Wednesday night.

NSW Rural Fire Service, Marine Rescue, Police, Ambulance and HAZMAT crews were all present during the event, in what was a busy night for emergency services.

Crews had earlier responded to a separate incident on the river, where two people on board a 40-foot flybridge cruiser half a nautical mile off Shelley Beach had engine trouble and exhaust fumes in the cabin.

NSW Police were expected to assist Fire and Rescue NSW to retrieve the vessel and launch an investigation into the exact cause of the explosion, with early indications pointing to an LPG gas bottle leak.

Crews survey the damage during the evening of the event. Pics Marine Rescue NSW

NSW Ambulance Inspector Josh Smyth said the 54-year-old suffered significant burns to his face, chest and legs.

“This was a large explosion and one of the two patients suffered significant burns to his face, chest and legs.”

“Burns are always dangerous because there can be parts of the body that are affected that can’t be seen immediately.

Marine Rescue and emergency services have responded to a houseboat fire on the Hastings River, Port Macquarie.

Our paramedics, with the help of NSW Police officers, did an excellent job in assessing both patients and treating them before they were transported to hospital for further treatment.”

The 54-year-old remained in a stable condition at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Port Macquarie Det. Insp. Darren Jameson said the incident did not appear to be suspicious, however investigations remain ongoing.