Launch explosion injures 12

Press, 12 January 1977, Page 5

Launch explosion injures 12

NZPA Sydney Twelve persons suffered burns when the 10m cabin cruiser they had hired for a [holiday exploded at a ski centre near Sydney. They were on their way from Windsor to Berowra when they decided to refuel at Dargyle’s Ski Gardens, near Wiseman’s Ferry. After refuelling the craft, they had difficulty starting the motor and on the third attempt the boat exploded and was burnt to the waterline. An employer of Dargyle’s said the persons on board were lucky to be alive.

“The boat was blown to pieces,” she said. “It was a miracle they were not all killed.” The twelve persons, five adults and seven children, were helped out of the water by nearby campers and skiers, and taken to a local hospital where they were treated for burns. Three were later taken by ambulance to hospital in Sydney, where they are reported in a satisfactory condition. The others were allowed to leave hospital after treatI ment.