Police investigating boating incident near Portarlington

POLICE are investigating an incident off the coast of Portarlington where a recreational fisher was almost swamped by two commercial fishing boats.

Bellarine Pirates Angling Club president Joe Scaffidi said he and his young son were fishing for whiting at about 10pm on January 10 near Point Richards when two boats approached his vessel at speed.

He said he first thought the boats had not seen him, despite his boat showing anchor lights and deck lights as well as head lamps.

“As they got closer, I was yelling at them – I thought they were going to hit us – then they split, and one went out the front of my boat about 15 to 20 metres away at high speed and the other went past the back about 15 to 20 metres away, which caused our boat to swing and rock violently. We proverbially s*** ourselves!

“The boat that had come past the back of our boat turned around and came past again.

“I did not know what to do, so we packed up and headed home; we were intimidated off our spot.”

He said the situation could have had much more serious consequences for someone in a smaller boat.

According to maritime safety rules, boats should not exceed 5 knots (equivalent to 8-9kmh) when within 50 metres of a person, vessel, wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp on coastal waters.

Bellarine Pirates secretary and founding member Phil Walters said Mr Scaffidi was a well-respected member of the club for the past 10 years.

“He is a very experienced angler and boat operator, and I have never seen him as upset or offended as he has been by this
latest incident.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed police had received a report of a near-collision involving two commercial vessels and a recreational vessel off Point Richards on January 10.

“Police are investigating this report with the assistance of our partner agencies, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at the Crime Stoppers website.”

Marine Safety Victoria advises that speed and distance rules do not change at night, so the importance of displaying appropriate navigation lights is critical.

An all-round white light must be displayed when at anchor, visible for 360 degrees

When underway, the required navigation lights are red and green sidelights, coupled with either stern and steaming lights, or an all-round white light.

It is important that the all-round white light, or the combination of stern and steaming lights are displayed, otherwise a vessel is not visible from behind to an overtaking vessel.

Recreational boaters are urged to contact Victoria Police on 000 if they believe there is an immediate risk to safety if they encounter dangerous operations by commercial fishers or other vessels.

If you witness an unlawful act and if it is not urgent, contact Victoria Police on 131 444.

If you witness unsafe operator behaviour, report this to Transport Safety Victoria by phoning 1800 223 022 or emailing [email protected].