Gold Coast incident a reminder of the dangers of exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide from vessel exhaust fumes has been blamed for the collapse of several sports stars last Friday 17 December in waters off the Gold Coast. Six people collapsed and one fell overboard after inhaling the odourless and invisible gas while on board a 30 foot cruiser. The group, which included a champion cyclist and international rugby league players, were enjoying a cruise after a charity golf day when carbon monoxide accumulated inside the vessel. All nine people on board were treated by paramedics on their return to shore.

The incident serves as a reminder to all vessel owners and skippers of the dangers of carbon monoxide, which is produced by all internal combustion engines. Exhaust systems must be regularly maintained to insure that exhaust fumes are directed away from passenger areas of vessels and carbon monoxide detectors should be fitted. Skippers are also reminded to ensure that passengers do not travel near exhaust outlets and that canopies and storm covers do not cause fumes to accumulate in passenger areas.

‘Teak surfing’, or riding the stern boarding platform of a vessel underway, is particularly dangerous and is prohibited in NSW.