Gold Coast boaties report most marine incidents in Queensland, data shows

The Gold Coast has been revealed to be the most accident-prone place in Queensland for boaties according to the latest data.

Gold Coast remains the most accident-prone place in Queensland for boaties.

Last year, the Gold Coast reported the most marine incidents with 83, followed by Gladstone with 69, Brisbane with 53 and Townsville with 42. Twenty-nine people were injured in the Gold Coast crashes, including 16 who were admitted to hospital.

No fatalities were recorded on the Gold Coast last year.

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The entrance to the Bayveiw Harbour Yacht Squadron with a sunken houseboat. Picture Mike Batterham

Despite increases in the numbers of boats on the water statewide, the latest Marine Incident Safety report has fewer deaths in Queensland.

Last year the department recorded six deaths from five marine incidents across Queensland involving recreational vessels. In 2017 there were seven marine-related deaths in Queensland.

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Hospitalisations were also up from 19 in 2017 to 36 last year.

However the state as a whole saw a six per cent increase in the number of incidents reported last year compared to 2017. Hospitalisations were also up from 19 in 2017 to 36 last year.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said despite some fluctuations incident numbers had been on a downward trend over the last decade.

“More than 261,000 recreational vessels are now registered in Queensland which is about one vessel for every 19 people,” Minister Bailey said.

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This boat capsized on the Broadwater during a storm. Picture: Richard Gosling

“The Marine Incident Report is Maritime Safety Queensland’s best measure of how safe we are on our waterways and how best we can improve our performance for the increasing number of boaties.”

Across Queensland last year, there were 342 reported incident involving 465 vessels, which included 38 domestic commercial vehicles, 269 motorboats, 93 sailboats, 40 personal watercraft, 16 paddle boats and nine houseboats.

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A houseboat that nearly sunk off Main Beach. Picture: supplied.

“In the broadest sense, the most important message we can give is for boat masters to ensure there are always enough life jackets on board for everyone and everyone knows how to use them.”

The majority of these incidents occurred in smooth waters, clear weather, with good visibility and winds below 16 knots.

Incidents most commonly occurred on the weekend and between 9am and 6pm.

Half of all reported crashes took place over a weekend.