Horizontal Falls boat crash: Accused Edward James Whisson has case heard in court

The master of the boat which careered into rocks at Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley — leaving more than a dozen tourists badly injured — has had his case heard in court for the first time. 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 not present in court for the first hearing of his charge of failing to take reasonable care. And Perth Magistrates Court was also told that no director of the tour company also charged — Journey Beyond Adventures Pty Ltd — has been nominated as part of the legal process to come. The boat 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 has 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 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 August.