The skipper of a vessel involved in an anti-offshore wind protest during a Labor Party fundraising cruise at Lemon Tree Passage on Sunday has been charged with using his power boat in a reckless and menacing manner.
Labor Party supporters were aboard the Wangi Queen to raise money for mayoral candidate Leah Anderson when it is alleged the man used his boat to create large waves next to the ferry.
Several people aboard the ferry reported that the man's boat zig-zagged in front and alongside the Wangi Queen, creating large wake waves for the century-old vessel to collide into.
Former fisheries minister and Port Stephens MP Bob Martin said the action had put lives at risk and described it as the maritime equivalent of road rage.
Earlier, dozens of people lined the banks with signs protesting against Labor's support of the Hunter Offshore Wind Project.
Officers attached to Marine Area Command were told that a boat had interfered with the safe passage of the Wangi Queen.
Police took several statements from passengers as they alighted the Wangi Queen.
Following inquiries, police charged a 46-year-old man with operate vessel in a menacing manner, and operating a recreational vessel recklessly.
He was issued a court attendance notice to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday 24 September.
