Family injured in Patonga boat explosion

Police are investigating after a boat explosion in Patonga left three members of a family of four with serious burns and one in shock, on December 17.

Emergency services were called to the Patonga wharf at about 1:50pm on December 17, after reports of the boat explosion.

The 6.7 metre vessel had recently left the wharf and travelled about 700m from shore when the explosion occurred.

A 34-year-old woman on the boat suffered serious burns to her arms, legs and torso and jumped into the water, along with her eight-year-old son who suffered burns to his legs.

The woman's 35-year old-husband also suffered burns to his arms and legs while another boy, aged 7, suffered shock.

A passing boatie came to the family's aid and returned them to shore where they were assisted by members of the public before the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The woman was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition, while the man and two children were transported to Westmead by road ambulance.

The Marine Area Command has seized the boat and will examine it as they investigate the cause of the explosion.

They are asking anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police to contact Crime Stoppers.

Media release, 17 Dec 2016

NSW Police Media