By Ian Neubauer
Two bartenders have died in a tragic boating accident on Sydney Harbour yesterday, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Stacy Wright, 21, who worked at the Unity Hall Hotel in Balmain, and Alex Rumiz, 19, from Surry Hills’ Clock Hotel, were reportedly among the six people who lost their lives when their overcrowded vessel collided with a fishing boat at about 2:40am near Bradleys Head.
Also among the deceased was Elizabeth Holder, a former employee of Balmain’s Commercial Hotel.
The incident took place after 14 people from the inner-west suburb of Balmain piled into a half-cabin boat licensed to carry eight people and went for a joyride on the harbour.
The group had earlier congregated at the Commercial Hotel to celebrate the property changing hands. It is unknown if the commander of the vessel was intoxicated at the time of the collision.
Balmain locals held an impromptu gathering outside the Commercial Hotel last night, where a sign read: ‘To our fallen friends. We love you forever. Lissie Stacey, Miss U.”
Police have established a taskforce to investigate the incident and are expected to present a report for the information of the Coroner.
TheShout expresses deep condolences for the family and friends of the deceased.
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