Passengers injured in airboat crash at Top End Safari Camp

NT WorkSafe is investigating a crash involving one of Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright’s airboats which occurred at his Top End Safari Camp and injured a number of passengers.

A Northern Territory airboat. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

NT WorkSafe is investigating a crash involving one of Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright’s airboats which occurred at his Top End Safari Camp and injured a number of passengers.

CareFlight airlifted two women with head and leg injuries to hospital after responding to the incident which occurred at 11.15am on Wednesday.

There were 12 passengers on board the airboat, which was being driven by one of Wright’s employees, when it crashed at Sweets Lagoon.

Northern Territory Police confirmed they were aware of a workplace incident that occurred at a commercial airboat company in Bynoe.

“Two people have been taken to Royal Darwin Hospital via CareFlight and St John Ambulance,” a spokesperson said.

A Top End Safari Camp spokesperson confirmed the incident which happened about 90 minutes south west of Darwin.

“Earlier today there was an incident at Sweets Lagoon which resulted in two individuals requiring medical assistance,” he said.

“We will be working with authorities to review the incident in due course.

“At the moment our focus is exclusively on supporting those passengers and staff involved.”

NT WorkSafe last night said it had been notified that an airboat used for a tourist cruise has crashed in the Bynoe region, North West of Litchfield National Park.

“A notification has been made by the airboat operator as required by the NT’s Work Health and Safety Laws,” a spokesperson said.

“NT WorkSafe Inspectors are currently at the incident site and have commenced an enquiry into the incident to determine the appropriate regulatory response.”

An Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson said it takes the safety of passengers and crew on board domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) very seriously.

“Accidents involving DCVs must be reported to AMSA by the Operator or Master of the vessel, within 72 hours, and penalties apply for not reporting,” they said.

“AMSA will investigate incidents involving DCVs, where it is deemed appropriate, and will take proportionate action where necessary.”

An ATSB spokesperson said the transport safety watchdog was gathering further information into the circumstances of the incident.