Shane Florio named as man killed after boat collides with yacht on Sydney’s Parramatta River
New details have emerged after a dad who “lived life to the fullest” died after his boat crashed into a yacht on a popular river.
A man who died in a horror boat crash in Sydney on Sunday has been identified as businessman and father Shane Florio.
Mr Florio, 46, died in hospital after his high-powered speedboat hit a yacht on the Parramatta River on Sunday night.
As of Tuesday afternoon, police are yet to shed much light on the crash, including whether speed was a contributing factor.
Low-definition footage of the crash is also circulating, purportedly showing the speedboat reversing and continuing away from the yacht after the collision.
The Daily Mail reports Mr Florio and the other passenger swam ashore and collapsed at a riverside property.
The Daily Telegraph reports triple-0 was called and paramedics found the injured pair at a property on Herberton Ave, where the luxury speedboat is normally docked.
Property data lists “Florio” as the owner of the waterfront property at 2A Herberton Ave, which includes a dock and sold for $8.8m in 2021.
The damaged 38-foot Brabus Marine Shadow 900 XC speedboat remains just across the river at a police facility.
A relative confirmed Mr Florio’s death online on Monday.
“It’s with the heaviest of hearts, my friend, nephew and brother Shane Thomas Florio passes away last night,” he wrote.
“He definitely lived life to the fullest. We are all in shock and still can’t believe it’s true.
“We will miss you like crazy. Heaven has a new angel. Fly my brother fly.”
Online, an employee of Mr Florio’s also paid tribute.
“You were there for me in my dark time and I’m here for your family now.
“Thankyou for being my boss, the joker of the party and most of all my friend.”
Mr Florio died after his speedboat crashed into a yacht moored on the Parramatta River at Hunters Hill about 7.30pm on Sunday.
The yacht sank and images show the speedboat’s bow has been smashed.
Mr Florio and his 25-year-old female passenger left the scene but paramedics were soon called to a home a short drive away in the same suburb.
Mr Florio and the passenger were taken from the property on Herberton Ave to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he later died. The female passenger was discharged on Monday.
Mr Florio’s boat has twin 450-horsepower outboard motors, and marketing material from the manufacturer says the boat can reach speeds over 100km/hr.
The Brabus boat was towed to the police Marine Area Command headquarters in Balmain.
Acting Inspector Ryan Spong on Monday said both the driver and passenger suffered significant injuries in the incident, with the man believed to have suffered internal injuries.
“There’s extensive damage to the front of the vessel, and the impact was so severe that it actually immediately sunk the vessel that was on the mooring too,” he said.
He said the incident was one of several over the weekend.
“Unfortunately, some of the other incidents have also involved vessels at speed,” he said.
“The message from us is clear — if you’re out in the water, abstain from drugs and alcohol. Wear a life jacket, slow down, and know your safety equipment.
“If you’re going to sea on a vessel, make sure you’re logged on with Marine Rescue and take all the proper safety precautions.”
There was not yet any indication the pair were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he said on Monday.
Mr Spong urged people to take safety precautions out on the water.
“We do our best to manage these incidents in terms of search and rescue and safety measures, but it is really up to people on the water to take the safety steps they need and not operate their vessels at speed,” he said.
“You’re the skipper, you’re responsible. That’s as clear as we can be on that, and these things, when they happen, they have devastating impacts with first responders who have to go and deliver these messages to families and sometimes lifelong injuries.”
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
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