Dr. Weber said they were working with health professionals and clinical psychologists and hoped all patients would recover.
He did not speculate on the circumstances that may have caused the type of injuries the doctors had treated, but noted that the hospital was well prepared for such events.
Horizontal Falls, in Kimberley, WA. Credit: Tourism WA
“I was not at the scene,” he said.
“These mass casualty events are part of our routine planning.
“Not only do we receive these events, but we plan them and do practice exercises.
“These are horrible events that sadly affect us from time to time.”
Prime Minister Mark McGowan said there was a full investigation underway by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
“It could have been a tragic outcome, but everyone was rescued and people are now in Perth or Broome hospitals and everyone is being managed in the best way possible in the circumstances we have faced,” he said.
“The company involved is not working now, it has been suspended while all these issues are being studied.”
Little is known about how the tragedy unfolded in the remote tourist region only accessible by air and sea.
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On Friday, the day of the crash, WA Regional Police Commander Brad Sorrell said there were 26 tourists and two crew members on board when the incident occurred around 7 p.m.
Emergency calls were made around 7:15 a.m. and first aid arrived at 8:30 p.m.
Although Sorrell said several people were found in the water, the tour operator issued a statement that the boat did not capsize and immediately returned to the pontoon.