Second river-related death in three months sparks safety concerns

Concerns about public safety at the Hobart waterfront have resurfaced following the retrieval of a second man’s body from the River Derwent.

SAFETY hazards at the Hobart waterfront are again under the spotlight following the death of a second interstate visitor in the River Derwent since November.

Police divers found the submerged body of Victorian man Jarrod Davies, 27, about 30m from Elizabeth Street Pier on Tuesday afternoon.

The tragic discovery came just three months after the death of talented cardiothoracic surgical trainee Robert Xu, 32, in water off Victoria Dock.

The Sunday Tasmanian last week asked the public whether they thought something could be done to prevent another fatality in the area – but there was no simple answer.

Retired marine electronics technician Phil Sandman, of Mount Rumney, tripped over a rope and fell “head first” into the water off Kings Pier Marina 15 years ago.

He eventually managed to claw onto the concrete ledge above and pulled himself up out of the water as bystanders looked on in shock.

“It was bloody cold and I couldn’t find a ladder,” Mr Sandman said.

“I made it out, but with great difficulty. It was a big effort.”

Retired marine electronics technician Phil Sandman fell into the water off Kings Pier 15 years ago. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Sandman said fencing around the water’s edge was a “stupid idea” but suggested the installation of more ladders.

“A ladder doesn’t cost very much if it saves somebody’s life,” he said.

“Knee-jerk reactions are daft, but sensible precautions like a few lights over the ladders and clear signs marking all the exit points would be a really good thing.”

Leigh Castle, who owns seafood-supply business Spring Bay Wild Caught Fishing, has been unloading and docking his shark longline boat at Victoria Dock for 15 years and has never witnessed anyone fall in.

He said it was his “honest belief” fences would encourage more people to test the waters.

“If you put a fence up and get lots of blokes down here at night on the grog, they will dare each other to stand on the other side,” Mr Castle said.

“I think fences would generate more issues because you create something for them to lairise around.”

Shark fisherman Leigh Castle on-board his boat Iron Maiden at Victoria Dock. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Castle, of Triabunna, said limited access to the dock would impact his operations significantly.

“If you’ve been away fishing for five days, all you want to do is unload and get off the boat,” he said.

“But if fences went up, I would have to unload in another area and then come back to dock, which would probably put an extra three to five hours on the day.

“It’s also quite a unique feature for the tourists to come and watch commercial fishermen unload, you can’t do that in many capital cities around the world.”

However, Oakdowns mother-of-six Celeste Bates said safety screens would give her peace of mind.

“Whenever we walk along here, I’m constantly watching my children and can’t be relaxed,” she said.

“I think some perspex screens, around hip height, would save the view but protect kids and drunk people.”

Roderick West, of South Hobart, with fiancee Celeste Bates, of Oakdowns, and her children Georgio Lambrakis, 8, Alexia Lambrakis, 10 and Yianni Lambrakis, 7. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Ms Bates’ fiance Roderick West disagreed with her, saying safety barriers would “severely limit the amenity” of the waterfront.

Mr West suggested putting LED lighting around the edges nearest to the restaurant and night-life precinct.

“I don’t think putting barriers up would really be conducive for the Hobart waterfront and there are all sorts of risks in life, you know, people die from accidents with tea cosies,” he said.

Following the retrieval of Mr Davies’ body, TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the company had a “range of safety measures in place which are subject to continuous review”.

“This includes strategically placed ladders, lifebuoys and lighting, as well as CCTV,” Mr Donald said.

“TasPorts has a robust maintenance inspection program conducted regularly, which also includes trip hazard audits.

“TasPorts will continue to openly and actively engage with key stakeholders, including the Hobart City Council, to ensure safety for all waterfront users.”

Police divers at the end of Elizabeth Street Pier packing up after recovering the body of Jarrod Davies. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Premier Peter Gutwein said a conversation around wharf safety needed to be had, given the events of last week.

“When I am staying in Hobart I walk along the waterfront most evenings and I have seen some behaviours that are troubling, and people can have accidents,” Mr Gutwein said.

“It’s a part of Hobart and it needs to be dealt with sensitively.”

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