Mr Dickey’s daughter Chloe was one of the survivors from the crash which killed six people in May, and said an investigation into the matter would help bring closure for everyone involved.

Police got in contact with Mr Dickey on Monday to inform him of their intentions to charge Percy Small, a 24-year-old barman at the Commercial Hotel in Balmain

“I spoke to the police and they also contacted Chloe to let her know their plans as well,” Mr Dickey said.

“I’ve spoken to her a couple of times since and she seems okay but every time it gets brought up in the media it does bring back some bad memories for everyone involved.

“Hopefully the police action will help bring the matter to an end and everyone can get some closure from it.

“For us it could have been a lot worse, we were lucky in that regard. But there are a lot of people affected by this and if something can be discovered, it will help a lot.”

Mr Dickey said he doesn’t believe his daughter was a close friend of Mr Small, but rather an associate through other friends.

He said he was hopeful of a quick but thorough investigation into what occurred early on May 1.

Witnesses to the crash have told police that Mr Small, who holds a boating licence and did not appear affected by alcohol, took control of the boat and safely negotiated it to Watson’s Bay.

But it was on the way back to Balmain that the boats collided just off Bradley’s Head.

The Department of Public Prosecution office has confirmed it had received a “partial” brief from police but it was awaiting more evidence.

ben.walker@ruralpress.com