Courageous Casey on road to recovery A Traralgon fisherman is still recovering after being struck by a charter boat in 2022. Our client, Casey Porter, was sailing in a 12-foot tinny at the time of the incident, sustaining serious back and rib injuries while fishing at Lakes Entrance. Mr Porter, an experienced skipper having held his marine license for four years, was fishing with a friend and operating his father Garry’s Stace 3.8 Kipper tinny with a 15 horsepower outboard from the North Island Boat Ramp when the incident took place. Mr Porter told police he saw a two-story tourist ferry, which he recognised as a Thunderbird vessel, which regularly runs tours around the Gippsland Lakes in the area. The ferry was a couple of kilometres away, according to Mr Porter, so he paid it no attention until he became aware, “about three minutes later”, the vessel was still heading towards them. “When it got to about 100 meters from us, we started waving and yelling, trying to get the driver’s attention,” he said. He estimated the vessel was travelling about 20 knots in what he believed was a 10 knot zone. “When it was about 20 meters away, it still hadn’t slowed down or turned. I yelled to pull the anchor up, but it was too late. I yelled ‘jump’.” Mr Porter did just that, but in the process his back was struck by the ferry, two times. He then promptly began experiencing intense pain in his chest and back that restricted his breathing and ability to tread water, despite having inflated his life jacket to stay afloat. His father Garry said the injury has had a huge impact on his son’s life and has changed his life trajectory. “Casey was playing local country football, had played basketball since early childhood, and now can’t take part in general sporting activities such as golf or cricket with his brother and friends,” the senior Porter said. He said his son was unable to work for about six months after the incident and lost his job. He has since resumed his plumbing apprenticeship with an understanding employer, but the injuries are likely to prevent him from working in the trade long term. The family is pursuing legal action against the charter company, in the hope of obtaining compensation reflecting the level of hurt endured in what was a preventable incident. Arnold Thomas & Becker lawyer Bethany Hourigan said: “The accident has had a devastating and lifelong impact on Casey’s life. What should have been a routine day out with a mate turned into a traumatic event that has left him with permanent injuries and affected his ability to continue in the trade he is skilled in. While no amount of compensation can undo the pain or trauma he has endured, we hope it can help cover the substantial medical expenses he faces and support him as he adjusts to his new normal. We are committed to seeking accountability for the negligent actions of the boat operator and ensuring Casey receives the closure he deserves.” Contact us Have you been injured as a result of someone else’s actions or negligence? You may be entitled to compensation. For more information or to talk to a lawyer, call us on 1300 333 300.