The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has accused Searoad Ferries of downplaying serious safety concerns following alleged incidents involving passengers on the Sorrento–Queenscliff ferry route.
In a statement released on 6 March, the union claimed a passenger allegedly assaulted crew members and attempted to access a restricted operational area of a ferry during a voyage in 2024.
According to the union, the individual reportedly reached an area used to control the vessel before crew intervened. A crew member was allegedly injured during the incident.
Allegations raise safety reporting concerns
The Maritime Union of Australia claims the incident raises concerns about whether appropriate safety reporting procedures were followed.
“Searoad Ferries is happy to issue glossy press releases about wharf upgrades, but when it comes to the safety of the crew and the travelling public, the silence is deafening.”
Victorian Assistant Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, Aarin Moon, made the comments while criticising the company’s response to the alleged incident.
The union has called for authorities, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and WorkSafe Victoria, to examine whether the incident was reported in accordance with maritime safety obligations.
Ferry also used for civic events
The allegations come as Searoad Ferries continues to promote its vessels as venues for community and civic events.
Late last year, a Mornington Peninsula mayoral charity event was held aboard a Searoad Ferries vessel, with local officials and community members attending.
The ferry route between Sorrento and Queenscliff carries large numbers of passengers each year and serves as a key cross-bay transport link between the Mornington Peninsula and the Bellarine Peninsula.
