11 July 2022

Skipper pleads not guilty to causing man's death in Moruya boating tragedy

| Albert McKnight
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The breakwall at Moruya North Head

The breakwall at Moruya North Head. Photo: Kim Treasure.

The skipper of a boat that capsized on the Far South Coast earlier this year will fight the accusation that he caused the death of one of his passengers in the incident.

NSW Police have previously said emergency services were called to Moruya’s North Head at about 11 am on 9 February 2022 after reports a six-metre boat had tipped over just after leaving the mouth of the Moruya River.

Witnesses on the nearby breakwall threw a lifebuoy to the three men onboard and the trio were brought back to shore.

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However, despite the best efforts of witnesses and paramedics, a 66-year-old man could not be revived and died at the scene.

The boat’s captain, 67-year-old Raymond Giucci from Moruya, was uninjured and was taken to Moruya Hospital for mandatory testing, while a 36-year-old man was also uninjured.

Police investigated the incident and ultimately charged Mr Giucci with operating a recreational vessel negligently causing death.

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At the first mention of the case in Moruya Local Court, which was on Friday (8 July), he entered a plea of not guilty.

Magistrate Doug Dick adjourned the matter for mention to 9 September.

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