Readers may find this content highly distressing.
A critical incident investigation has been declared after a man sustained significant burns while on a boat between Bayview and Scotland Island, Pittwater.
About 2.55pm today (Wednesday 9 October 2024), police were called to Pittwater, near Scotland Island, following reports of a concern for welfare.
Officers attached to Sydney Water Police spoke with a 61-year-old man regarding the alleged activation of an EPIRB emergency device.
While police were speaking with him, the man is alleged to have picked up a jerry can, pouring the contents of the can over himself while smoking a cigarette, which ignited a fire.
Police officers put out the fire and immediately provided first aid to the man.
He was treated at the scene by Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to Concord Hospital for further treatment. His condition is reported to be critical but stable.
A critical incident team from Nepean Police Area Command will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation is also subject to an independent review.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
While Manly Observer does not typically report on events involving self harm, there are exceptions such as particularly public events and/or where police have published a statement on the matter (such as when it is considered a critical incident.) Where police have been involved in a critical injury or death, the details of the incident are considered necessary for transparency of police actions.
Lifeline 13 11 14.
