Edward James Whisson: Horizontal Falls skipper set to plead not guilty after horror crash

The master of the boat that careered into rocks at Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley — leaving more than a dozen tourists badly injured — intends to defend the allegation that he failed to make sure the trip was safe. Edward James Whisson — who was allegedly in charge of The Falls Express in May last year when it crashed with 25 passengers and two crew on board — was again absent from Perth Magistrates Court when the two charges against him were heard. But it was revealed that he is set to deny the allegations, setting up a trial in the future that would reveal in detail what happened at the popular tourist spot. The boat being skippered by Mr Whisson allegedly crashed while passing through a 7.5-metre gap at high speeds, leading to emergency services having to lift the wreckage from the waters, as 18 passengers were flown by RFDS for treatment. Mr Whisson has been charged with failing to take reasonable care, and not implementing and complying with the safety management system for the vessel and its operations. The company — Journey Beyond Adventures — has also been charged with failing to ensure the safety of the vessel, its equipment and the operation of the vessel and failing to implement and maintain a safety management system that could ensure safety. In an earlier statement from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which investigated the incident over the past year, the rescue effort was described as “rapid and commendable”. “The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has meticulously investigated the incident, gathering, and analysing evidence over the past year,” they said. “As this matter will now proceed to the Magistrates Court of Western Australia, it would be inappropriate for AMSA to comment further.” The case will return to court in October, where a date for the trial is set to be fixed.