Five Killed on Sydney Harbor Joy Ride

A boat stolen by a group of young joy-riders last week slammed into a trawler heading out to sea. The boat was carrying 14 people, almost twice the limit. One of the dead is an American, the U.S. Consulate said.

The accident brought to 10 the number of people killed in collisions in the busy harbor since March 2007, which have prompted local authorities to consider tighter boating regulations.

Australian media said all the casualties appeared to be from the 23-foot (7-metre) half-cabin cruiser, which was owned by a ship-repair company. The boat's owner said that it appeared that someone decided to steal the boat, resulting in this horrible accident.

Passers-by helped those in the water to reach shore, and rescue boats and helicopters rescued survivors within an hour.

[International]

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