CHARTER FISHING BOAT EXPLOSION
Workplace Health and Safety investigators are inspecting a vessel where a man was serious injured after suffering horror facial burns following an explosion below deck.
Three crew members were injured in the blast that occurred on fishing charter boat Stryker, which is owned and operated by Airlie Beach Fishing Charters and based at Coral
Sea Marina.
The incident happened about 8.30pm Thursday and has prompted a joint investigation between police, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Emergency crews were called to the Ocean View Ave site following reports a vessel was on fire within the marina. Stryker is described as being nine-meter monohull aluminium plate boat powered by 2X300HP Mercury Sea Pro V8 and specialised in fishing charters around the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
It was understood Stryker crew had just finished fuelling and was moving away when the explosion occurred below deck.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokesman said two fire crews were sent but it appeared the fire might have been out when they arrived about 10 minutes later.
Three crew members had been on the vessel when the blast occurred.
Queensland Ambulance Service confirmed one man had suffered significant facial burns and was taken to Proserpine Hospital in a serious condition.
The two other men, with abdominal burns and the other with burns to his legs, were taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Fire crews assisted paramedics with the patients before they were taken to hospital.
A 39-year-old man has been flown to Townsville in a serious condition.
While a 39-year-old man and 66-year-old man have since been discharged from hospital.
The QFES spokesman said crews had been concerned about reignition because the boat had been fuelled and went into action ventilating the area and checking gas.
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the fire was being treated as non suspicious at this stage.
The spokeswoman said Workplace Health and Safety and Australian Maritime Safety Authority will be attending the scene to conduct further investigations.
Police are appealing for witnesses who may have information to contact Policelink or Crimestoppers.