Refueling Fire Brooklyn Aust.

This happened yesterday at the fuel dock at the eastern side of Brooklyn. We are at the western end separated by a land mass, we left the marina 2 hours prior.
The fuel dock is attached to a general store used locally and for boat provisioning. There is a small marina adjacent, plus moorage for real trawlers, Marine Rescue, Water Police, and a ferry wharf for the ferry serving Dangar Isl. some of you know about, and other ferries, incl the Riverboat Postman. Road access is good and Brooklyn has its own Fire Service close by.
The Hospitals where the injured were taken have specialist burns units, but the injuries sound bad. The bravery of those trying to move the burning boat, and to extinguish it in the face of the explosion risk is amazing. Best hopes for the injured.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-04/houseboat-explosion-on-hawkesbury-river/100048462

That is terrible. I feel for the injured and are glad there were people who were able to assist.

The people who towed it away from the fuel dock are made of sterner stuff than me. That took some guts.

Sounds like the injured people are getting good care and I hope for the best for them.

Video of the actual explosion has emerged. It`s confronting and may upset some viewers. Of the 4 hospitalized, 3 are responding well but one remains critical.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/h...brooklyn/b13e7d31-74d2-4444-8b34-82aa93eadf0a

Amazing news story, hope all the burns victims have good recoveries.

So apparently after gassing up, the captain failed to run his bilge blowers.

Frosty said:

The people who towed it away from the fuel dock are made of sterner stuff than me. That took some guts....

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Indeed. The "tinny" operator first tried to spray the burning boat with sea water using the partly raised prop, towed it to safety, on seeing the Fire Appliance professionals arriving directed it to them, and left to help tend the injured pending arrival of Ambulance paramedics.
Brooklyn may echo with banjo music, it`s an interesting place, but the knowledge of the watermen along the river and their willingness to help is on show when trouble strikes.

I saw more of the locals' response in the video. From the fellow making the "rooster tail" with his motor, to others setting up an area for the injured with water, etc. Good group of people to have around in a pinch for sure.

(That was a harrowing video though. Just the turn of a key and everything changes.)

Gasoline, nasty stuff.

pete

Frosty said:

I saw more of the locals' response in the video. From the fellow making the "rooster tail" with his motor, to others setting up an area for the injured with water, etc. Good group of people to have around in a pinch for sure.

(That was a harrowing video though. Just the turn of a key and everything changes.)

Click to expand...

I heard the local damaged his outboard motor using the raised prop to spray the burning boat with seawater. I expect the locals will chip in to help.
Four of the burns victims remain in hospital. 3 with 30% burns coverage, having daily dressings which apparently hurt like hell, one with 60% burns coverage still critical and I think in an induced coma.
I know gas/petrol powered boat incidents are rare but they do happen, and it can be very nasty when it does.

Tragic situation. Could have been much worse if not for the locals jumping into action.