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Coffin Cheaters and Rebels face payout over ferry trip
12 Nov
A group of bikers have agreed to pay for damage caused on a rowdy trip to
Tasmania aboard the Spirit of Tasmania II ferry.
About 30 bikers from the Coffin Cheaters and Rebels motorcycle clubs were
reportedly involved in 'rowdy' behaviour during Friday night's crossing from
Melbourne to Devonport. It's believed the leaders of the group have agreed to
pay for the damage caused, resulting in an agreement by TT-Line to carry them
for a return journey on Sunday night.
People complained the bikers were involved in 'wild behaviour' during the
crossing. Other passengers were allegedly so frightened they locked themselves
in their cabins.
Officer-in-charge of the Western police district Commander Steve Bonde confirmed
police had been called to the Spirit of Tasmania II when it arrived in Devonport
on Saturday morning.
"There were problems on board that were reported to police once the ferry
arrived in Devonport," he said. "There were no complaints of violence." Cmdr
Bonde said he believed the groups had liaised with TT-Line concerning damaged
caused and had agreed to "meet their civil obligations".
"It would have been a frightening experience for some passengers but it is a TT-Line
matter, not a matter for police," he said. "We decided in this case we would
check the bike club members for breathalyser offences and drug offences. "A
number of club members will be the subject of court proceedings."
One motorcycle was seized by police who plan to dismantle it and conduct a
thorough search for drugs. TT-Line spokeswoman Christina Koullas confirmed an
incident had occurred but would not make any further comment.