Dangerous Ironman event attracted TV cameras

An inquest into the death of teenage ironman Saxon Bird has been told event organisers would not move the competition from dangerous surf because it attracted television crews.

19-year-old Bird was struck by a surf ski in dangerous conditions at the Australian titles at Kurrawa Beach at Broadbeach in March last year.

Competitor Michael Locke told the inquest it would never be moved because of the TV coverage.

“I recall talking to my wife and saying it would make good television on the day because there was a lot of carnage,” he told the Brisbane Coroners Court.

The court was told the cyclonic conditions also wreaked havoc with attempts to locate Bird after he was knocked from his ski.

Surfer Bernard “Midget” Farrelly also said a colleague, Andrew Hogan, had told him the officials had been “pressured” to keep the competition on schedule.

Surf lifesavers had warned organisers to postpone or relocate the event.

But Surf Life Saving Australia has argued it was Bird’s responsibility to decide whether or not he would compete in the conditions.

Locke also noted he did not hear the advice from any official source.

The inquest continues.

Source: The Australian smh.com.au, ABC