whadu
Level 47: Snake Eater
Posts: 31336Timestamp: Tue Aug 05, 08 10:51 PM
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| Post URL: Fisherman 'Did Not Report Ghost Ship'
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The Age: A fishing boat skipper who spotted a "ghost ship" drifting near a reef off north Queensland days before its crew disappeared did not contact authorities despite noticing its sail was ripped and nobody could be seen aboard.
An inquest heard on Wednesday that the 9.8 metre catamaran Kaz II came within 50 metres of fishing vessel The Jillian on April 17, 2007, the day before a Coastwatch aircraft first noticed the vessel with a ripped sail and no sign of a crew.
The coronial inquest is investigating the disappearance of Perth yachtsmen Des Batten, 56, Peter Tunstead, 69, and his brother Jim, 63.
Their yacht spotted by Coastwatch drifting north-north-east with the current at up to three knots an hour through a gap in the reef of no more than 200 metres and no occupants were visible on board.
The Jillian's skipper, Gavin Howland, said it was unusual to see a sail boat in the area, which is known for its shallow water and rocks.
However, he said it did not occur to him that the occupants might be in distress and he did not attempt to contact the vessel or authorities.
"It did (seem a bit strange) to me but I just have this rule that no one goes near another vessel," Mr Howland told the Townsville coroner's court.
It's believed the men went missing from the boat soon after setting off from Airlie Beach on April 15 but a search was not launched until after an Emergency Management Queensland rescuer boarded the Kaz II on April 19 and found it unoccupied.
No trace of the men was located but authorities have ruled out foul play or the possibility the men staged their disappearance.
Queensland coroner Michael Barnes is conducting a week-long inquest into the disappearance.
The inquest continues.
Source: theage.com.au
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