Illawong boat and jetski crash: Georges River boat accident
A young man and keen boater is fighting for his life in hospital after a horrifying boat and jetski crash on a river in Sydney’s south on Saturday morning.
St George Shire Standard
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A young man and keen boater is fighting for his life in hospital after a horrifying boat and jetski crash on a river in Sydney’s south on Saturday morning.
Matt Rowe, 21, was critically injured when his boat collided with a jetski at 9.30am on the Georges River near Illawong.
Police say Mr Rowe was driving the boat with his 24-year-old brother on board, who was also taken to St George Hospital with minor injuries.
The 45-year-old male jetski rider suffered serious back and hand injuries and was also taken to St George Hospital for treatment.
A NSW Ambulance spokesman said Mr Rowe was verbally responsive when he was first treated before he was winched into the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and taken to hospital.
The men underwent mandatory testing in hospital and Marine Area Command officers will conduct an investigation into the incident.
#RESCUE: #Lifesaver22 is heading to #Illawong. Reports that two boats have collided and four persons are in the water. More to come.
— Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters (@Lifesaverhelo) October 19, 2018
Local residents reported hearing a loud bang and screams before emergency services arrived on the scene.
Four ambulance crews and Sutherland Shire police officers attended the scene this morning.
Roads and Maritime Services maritime executive director Angus Mitchell reminded boaters to take precautions after the serious incident.
“We want people to be able to enjoy being on the water, but that comes with responsibility,” Mr Mitchell said.
“As the skipper you are responsible for yourself, all those on board, and also your impact on others using the waterway.”
Mr Mitchell said what people did on the water affected others around them.
“Proceed at a ‘safe speed’, observe safety signs and be aware of passive craft, including kayaks, paddle boards and surf and jet skis,” he said.