Qld; Search off for missing deckhand but investigation goes on

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2000
Qld; Search off for missing deckhand but investigation goes on

Queensland Police will continue investigations into a fight on board a fishing trawler
despite calling off the search today for a deckhand lost overboard in the incident.

PETER HALL, skipper of the trawler Brine Cutter, was admitted to hospital with head
injuries after the brawl on Friday morning.

He told police the trawler was eight nautical miles out to sea at the end of a three-day
scallop fishing trip in Hervey Bay when the fight with deckhand WAYNE TYSON began.

Mr HALL said Mr TYSON, who'd been working for him for about six weeks and was a friend
of his eldest son, damaged his boat and attacked him with a screwdriver.

He radioed for help before both men fell overboard, but Mr HALL said he managed to
climb back on board while Mr TYSON landed on the trawler's nets and disappeared.

Mr TYSON'S former skipper JASON HODGSON says he finds it difficult to believe Mr TYSON
could attack anyone.

Other local fishermen say Mr HALL is well respected in the fishing industry.

A Bundaberg police spokesman says inquiries into the incident are continuing.

AAP RTV rad/sc/nf/jn

KEYWORD: DECKHAND (BRISBANE)

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