By AIDAN KNIGHT
A TRARALGON fisherman is still recovering after being struck by a charter boat in 2022.
Casey Porter (20) was sailing in a 12-foot tinny at the time of the incident, sustaining serious back and rib injuries while fishing at Lakes Entrance. It is believed the captain was not at the helm at the time.
Mr Porter, an experienced skipper having held his marine license for four years, was fishing with a friend and operating his father Garry’s Stace 3.8 Kipper tinny with a 15 horsepower outboard from the North Island Boat Ramp when the incident took place.
The pair anchored between Reeve Channel and the Nyerimilang Jetty area in search of whiting, in conditions of light breeze and good visibility, on what was an overcast November day.
Mr Porter told police he saw a two-story tourist ferry, which he recognised as a Thunderbird vessel, which regularly runs tours around the Gippsland Lakes in the area. The ferry was a couple of kilometres away, according to Mr Porter, so he paid it no attention until he became aware, “about three minutes later”, the vessel was still heading towards them.
“When it got to about 100 meters from us, we started waving and yelling, trying to get the driver’s attention,” he said.
He estimated the vessel was travelling about 20 knots in what he believed was a 10 knot zone.
“When it was about 20 meters away, it still hadn’t slowed down or turned. I yelled to pull the anchor up, but it was too late. I yelled ‘jump’.”
Mr Porter did just that, but in the process his back was struck by the ferry, two times. He then promptly began experiencing intense pain in his chest and back that restricted his breathing and ability to tread water, despite having inflated his life jacket to stay afloat.
Eventually, the ferry circled back to pick up Casey’s friend, before tossing a lifesaver ring to pull him aboard. The pair were then taken to Kalimna Jetty to be attended to by paramedics while arrangements were made for the tinny to be towed to shore.
Mr Porter was then sent to Bairnsdale Regional Health Service for initial assessment, which saw him requiring medical attention at the Austin, to which he was transported via helicopter the next day. He was treated for paralysis prevention on his T12 vertebrae, which required surgery, and also suffered three broken ribs and a laceration on his back.
His father Garry said the injury has had a huge impact on his son’s life and has changed his life trajectory.
“Casey was playing local country football, had played basketball since early childhood, and now can’t take part in general sporting activities such as golf or cricket with his brother and friends,” the senior Porter said.
He said his son was unable to work for about six months after the incident and lost his job.
He has since resumed his plumbing apprenticeship with an understanding employer, but the injuries are likely to prevent him from working in the trade long term.
The family is pursuing legal action against the charter company, in the hope of obtaining compensation reflecting the level of hurt endured in what was a preventable incident.
His father said, “As for the impact on the day, it was extremely traumatic for Casey, his friends and his family. There were weeks in hospital and ongoing treatment – certainly not something any of us wish to experience again.”
