Five in hospital after charter boat hits pier in Melbourne, Australia

Australia’s ABC News reports that five people were brought to hospital after the charter vessel on which they were riding struck a pier in the city of Melbourne on Saturday, January 14.

The 350-passenger Lady Cutler, which was formerly operated as a Sydney Harbour ferry, struck a pole in the waters off the Melbourne suburb of Docklands at around 17:30 local time on Saturday.

A number of seated passengers fell down due to the force of the impact. One passenger said chairs also fell onto some of her companions, which included small children.

Among the five people who were taken to hospital are two pregnant women, the report continued.

Lady Cutler was being chartered for an extended family reunion when the incident occurred.

Melbourne Showboat, the vessel’s operator, has since issued an apology for the mishap and said that the captain has been relieved from duty.

The incident is being investigated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and WorkSafe Victoria.