- Boat captain Howard Bovill suffered a fatal heart attack while steering a vessel
- Constellation Cruises birthday cruise departed from Sydney’s King Street Wharf
- Crew members noticed the speed increasing and found the driver unconscious
- Nearby charter vessel came to the aid to help bring the boat back to the wharf
- Mr Bovill, 67, was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital where he later died
A birthday party cruise on Sydney Harbour has ended in tragedy after the boat captain suffered a cardiac arrest and died while steering the vessel.
The Constellation Cruises vessel with 200 guests departed from King Street Wharf at around 6pm on Saturday night.
Shortly after leaving the wharf, crew members became concerned about the boat’s increasing speed near Barangaroo and found the skipper Howard Bovill, 67, slumped at the wheel and unconsciousness.
Constellation Cruises boat skipper captain Howard Bovill, 67, was found unconscious while steering a cruise for 200 birthday party guests
Mr Bonvill was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital where sadly, he was unable to be revived
It’s understood he suffered a suspected heart attack.
‘It was a gut feeling instinct’ heartbroken crew member John Anogianakis told 7 News.
‘I just ran up and the captain was not in a good way.’
The crew’s desperate efforts to commence CPR on Mr Bovill and regain control of the boat were recognised.
‘If it would have taken out the ferry wharves here at Barangaroo, there would have been massive casualties,’ ferry master John Mann said.
A nearby charter vessel came to the aid of the crew and assisted in bringing the boat back to the wharf, where emergency services were waiting.
A nearby charter vessel came to the aid of the crew and assisted in bringing the boat back to the wharf
Paramedics rushed Mr Bovill to St Vincent’s Hospital where he later died.
Friends and family paid tribute to the boat captain on social media on Sunday night.
‘Howard was a lovely man and will be sadly missed by so many,’ one friend commented.
Another added: ‘Very sad news …. back with the love of his life!’
Marine Area Command officers have commenced inquiries into the incident.
A report will now be prepared for the Coroner.