A Hunters Hill businessman has died following a boat collision on the Parramatta River on Sunday evening.
Shane Florio, 46, passed away in hospital after his speedboat struck a moored yacht near Hunters Hill around 7.30pm on 6 October.
Mr Florio and a 25-year-old female passenger were transported to Royal North Shore Hospital with significant injuries following the incident. The woman was discharged on Monday, whilst Mr Florio succumbed to his injuries, which are believed to have been internal.
Acting Inspector Ryan Spong described the impact as severe, noting the collision caused immediate and extensive damage to both vessels, with the moored yacht sinking at the scene.
The speedboat involved was a 38-foot Brabus Marine Shadow 900 XC, which has been secured at the Marine Area Command headquarters in Balmain for examination.
Emergency services were called to a property on Herberton Avenue, where both injured parties were located after the crash.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities had not confirmed whether speed was a contributing factor to the incident.
Acting Inspector Spong noted there was no immediate indication that drugs or alcohol were involved, though investigations remain ongoing.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for boating safety on Sydney’s waterways. Inspector Spong emphasised that vessel operators bear full responsibility for safe navigation, urging boaters to abstain from drugs and alcohol, wear life jackets, reduce speed and ensure proper safety equipment is on board.
He noted the weekend saw several boating incidents, with some also involving vessels travelling at speed.
Mr Florio’s death has left family and friends grieving. A relative posted online on Monday expressing shock and disbelief at the loss, describing him as someone who “lived life to the fullest”.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact authorities.
Published 7-October-2025
