A routine ferry trip took a dangerous turn when two students from Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview fell into Sydney Harbour, prompting Captain Cook Cruises, with main offices in Sydney CBD, to overhaul its safety procedures.
The 2023 incident at Riverview College Wharf saw the gangway collapse as students disembarked, leaving one student temporarily trapped underwater and another scrambling to safety.
Safety Investigation Finds Critical Failures
An investigation by the Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI) found multiple safety lapses contributed to the accident. The ferry unexpectedly moved away from the wharf, causing the gangway to fall, sending two students into the water. One student struggled to free himself after being caught under the gangway with his backpack, while another managed to climb to safety. A third student, who nearly fell, was saved by gripping the edge of the wharf.
Investigators determined ineffective safety protocols, poor crowd control, and miscommunication between crew members were key factors. The ferry master cited inadequate wharf infrastructure and high tides as challenges in securing the vessel. Additionally, loud noise from the large number of students on board hampered crew communication.
Backpacks also played a role in limiting students’ movement, worsening the situation. At the time of the incident, no life ring was positioned close to the wharf’s edge, further delaying assistance.
School and Cruise Company Implement Safety Changes
Since the incident, Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview has taken steps to enhance safety at its privately owned wharf. Additional life rings and ladders have been installed, and senior students have been appointed as “student monitors” to oversee safety during ferry arrivals and departures.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Captain Cook Cruises has also acted on the investigation’s recommendations. The company stated it has introduced new crew training, stricter gangway procedures, and rules requiring students to remove backpacks before disembarking. Access to certain areas on the ferry has also been restricted to prevent crowding near the gangway.
A spokesperson for Captain Cook Cruises reaffirmed the company’s commitment to passenger safety, stating that many of the recommended changes had already been implemented for over a year. The company continues to review safety procedures to ensure best practices are met.
Community Response and Government Oversight
The incident sparked concerns about ferry safety, particularly on school routes. At the time, former NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen expressed deep concern over the accident, stating she would be “furious” if it had been her children involved.
While no serious injuries were reported, the event served as a wake-up call for both ferry operators and private wharf owners. Local residents and school parents have welcomed the safety upgrades, though some remain concerned about wharf maintenance and ferry operations in high-tide conditions.
Authorities stress the importance of ongoing training and infrastructure maintenance to prevent future incidents. The OTSI’s report underscores the need for clear communication between ferry crews, better crowd management, and safer gangway operations across Sydney’s ferry network.
Published 21-February-2025