Calls for audit of Brisbane river transport network
There have been calls for an audit of Brisbane’s river transport network after revelations passengers have been left stranded abroad vessels that have been stricken by engine failure.
7News has learned of a string of incidents involving the ageing fleet of City Hoppers.
It has been revealed that in 2014, one ferry ran out of fuel and lost power at 9.30pm (AEST), leaving nine people stranded on board.
On another occasion, the ferry master reported hearing a ‘loud bang’ in the engine room of the vessel “Mermaid,” before it lost power.
7News has also obtained pictures of a flooded engine room, a cluttered emergency fuel shut off point and life jacket stowage.
Councillor Milton Dick says more needs to be done to ensure the safety of travelers.
“It is not good enough for a vessel late at night to be stranded on the water where passenger safety is put at risk,” he said.
“I am calling on Graham Quirk today to release all incidents reports regarding our ferry and city cat operators.”
But Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk maintains the ferries are safe.
“They are very sturdy vessels,” he said.
“They are a simpler form of engine but they are providing another opportunity on the river.”
Mr Quick said while the fleet of City Hoppers and City Ferry’s are regularly serviced, it does not make them immune to breakdowns.
“We have buses that break down, motor vehicles break down and they do occasionally break down as do the city cats,” he said.
