Investigations are continuing following the tragic passing of a 67-year-old man in the Clarence Valley last week.

Shortly after 10am on Thursday, July 25, emergency services were called to the riverside village of Lawrence, around 25km north of Grafton, following reports a semi-trailer transporting sugarcane was submerged in the Clarence River.

Coffs/Clarence Police District Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty said the heavy vehicle was in the process of boarding the Bluff Point Ferry when for reasons which are yet unknown, the ferry became dislodged, resulting in the semi-trailer rolling off the back of it and into the Clarence River, subsequently trapping the driver.

Chief Inspector Flaherty said a member of the public risked their own life by entering the water to retrieve the driver prior to commencing CPR.

Upon arriving at the scene, NSW Ambulance paramedics also assisted in providing CPR, but sadly, the man could not be revived.

A multi-agency investigation coordinated by the Coffs/Clarence Police District was launched with the NSW Police Marine Area Command, marine engineers, and Transport for NSW investigators also in attendance.

The incident was also reported to Safe Work NSW who are continuing to offer their assistance.

The Bluff Point Ferry, a popular river crossing regularly used by motorists, remained closed for more than a day with alternative diversions in place along the Big River Way.

Commercial and domestic boats were also instructed to avoid the area.

Two other vehicles which had already boarded the Bluff Point Ferry prior to the tragedy occurring remained on the vessel.

Chief Inspector Flaherty said early investigations are yet to determine exactly how far the semi-trailer moved onto the ferry before the ferry became dislodged and moved from its position.

Describing the event as tragic, Chief Inspector Flaherty revealed initial inquiries showed the incident occurred on a path regularly travelled by the driver and vehicle.

“The circumstances and exactly how the vehicle dislodged from the back of the ferry will form part of the investigation,” he said.

Specialist investigative teams travelled to Lawrence later in the evening, and a salvage operation to retrieve the semi-trailer was conducted the following day.

In addition to reviewing CCTV footage from the Bluff Point Ferry, Chief Inspector Flaherty said investigators would interview passengers that were on board the ferry when the tragedy unfolded, and also persons and drivers waiting on the opposite side of the Clarence River regarding the incident to try and identify how it occurred.

In accordance with maritime protocol, the driver of the Bluff Point Ferry was subject to blood and alcohol screening.

No arrests have been made. Fire and Rescue NSW crews also attended the scene and distributed booms to prevent contaminants from the semi-trailer leaking into the Clarence River.

Representatives from the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have also been involved with the multi-agency investigation.

The identity of the driver has not been made public. The Clarence Valley Independent will continue to provide updates regarding this incident in upcoming editions once further information becomes available.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 31 July 2024.