A WA-based adventure company and boat master have been charged over an accident at Horizontal Falls.

Charges have been filed in regard to the incident on May 27, 2022, when the Falls Express, carrying 25 passengers and two crew members, crashed into rocks during an eco-tour.

After an investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), charges have been laid against Journey Beyond Adventures, trading as Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures. 

The company faces charges of failing to ensure the safety of the vessel, its equipment, and its operation, as well as failing to implement and maintain a safety management system.

The boat master, Edward James Whisson, has also been charged with failing to take reasonable care and not complying with the safety management system for the vessel. 

The matter will be presented before the Magistrates Court of Western Australia.

The accident resulted in serious injuries to several of the 27 people on board the vessel, prompting a swift response from local emergency services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 

The remote location of the incident, approximately 250 kilometres northeast of Broome, posed additional challenges due to the presence of crocodiles and jellyfish. Fortunately, all passengers were rescued, and the injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.

AMSA has commended the rapid response of emergency services and other commercial vessels operating in the area during the incident.

Horizontal Falls, renowned for its unique natural phenomenon of fast-moving tides forming a horizontal waterfall through narrow gorges, has been described by naturalist David Attenborough as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

In March, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions revealed that it was considering licensing changes to potentially restrict the number of tourism operators at the site.

The case is expected to shed light on safety measures and regulations in the adventure tourism industry.