Sunday January 15, 2023
The Lady Cutler passenger ferry crashed into docks with more than 200 people on board.(ABC News: Barrie Pullen)
Authorities are investigating a boat crash at Melbourne's Docklands that occurred with about 200 people on board.
The group of mainly women and children from Melbourne's Somali community was on the Lady Cutler passenger ship during the crash.
Police said it was believed the boat struck a pole in the water about 5:30pm on Saturday.
Farah Warsame, president of the Somali Community Inc, had family members on board for the gathering and said many were terrified by the incident.
People were still in shock when he rushed to the scene on Saturday afternoon, he said.
Ambulance Victoria said a primary school-aged boy was among five people taken to hospital with minor injuries. A number of other people were treated by paramedics at Central Pier.
Mr Warsame said two pregnant women were among the passengers.
The Lady Cutler is a former Sydney Harbour ferry that was decommissioned in 1991 and then refurbished for operation in Melbourne.
It operates as a charter cruise showboat, catering for up to 350 passengers.
WorkSafe Victoria and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority are investigating the crash.