Ship’s master Jim Woo Jun charged over bulk carrier collision off Hay Point

A ship’s captain with no history in Australia has been charged after a collision between two bulk carriers in waters off the Qld coast — and it’s the first prosecution for this type of offence.

Two bulk carriers collided off the port of Hay Point on July 16, 2024.

A foreign ship’s captain has been charged after two bulk carriers collided in waters off Mackay, in what will be a prosecution first for this type of offence.

And the sum of $30,000 has had to be paid for his bail over the incident, which occurred on July 16, 2024 at the Port of Hay Point.

It is alleged master of the vessel Jim Woo Jun was captaining HL Eco when it and another bulk carrier collided.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard it was alleged Mr Jun, while operating the vessel, contravened Navigation Act regulations in relation to the prevention of collisions.

In reading out the charge to Mr Jun, Magistrate Damien Dwyer said the contravention was specific to “Marine Order 30”.

“In that you did not observe the measures required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at sea, which is contrary to the legislation” Mr Dwyer said.

Marine Order 30 details internationally agreed measures for the navigation, management and working of a vessel, and the lights and signals to be provided and used on a vessel.

Information on VesselFinder indicated HL Eco arrived at Hay Point at 12.38am on July 16 and departed at 7.45am on July 26.

Coal ships off the coast of Mackay awaiting a spot at Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay coal terminals. Picture: Rae Wilson

Solicitor Marcus Hahn, who acted as town agent for Aus Ship Lawyers and Correspondents for Mr Jun, requested an adjournment date about one month away.

Commonwealth prosecutor Sam Lanskey was not against the adjournment but noted Mr Jun, a foreign national, was departing Mackay this afternoon for Korea and requested he be released on a $30,000 “cash bail as opposed to a bail undertaking”.

“This offence hasn’t been prosecuted before, I can indicate that much,” Mr Lanskey said.

The court heard this was not opposed by Mr Jun’s defence solicitors.

Mr Lanskey said prosecution “consents to summary determination” of the case, meaning it would remain in the magistrates court jurisdiction.

“The maximum penalty, well the jurisdictional limit is approximately $40,000,” Mr Lanskey said.

The court heard Mr Jun had no history in Australia.

Mr Dwyer ordered Mr Jun be taken into custody until the cash bail was paid, when he would be released.

Mr Hahn indicated he would be able to organise a cheque to be dropped off.

Matters were adjourned to a later date.

Originally published as Ship’s master Jim Woo Jun charged over bulk carrier collision off Hay Point