A former marine trainer at Sea World on the Gold Coast has launched legal action against the iconic theme park, alleging a terrifying shark tank incident left her with severe psychological trauma and effectively ended her career.
The Alleged Incident
Therese Kerrins, an experienced marine specialist, claims she was ordered to enter a shark enclosure containing multiple shark species during a 2021 training exercise. Court documents reveal she expressed significant safety concerns beforehand but was allegedly instructed to proceed regardless.
Psychological Impact
According to the lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of Queensland, Ms Kerrins suffered immediate and lasting psychological damage from the incident. Medical reports cited in the claim indicate she developed post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression following the traumatic event.
Career Consequences
The legal documents state that the former trainer can no longer work in her chosen profession due to the psychological injuries sustained. The incident has allegedly prevented her from returning to marine training work, causing significant financial loss and career disruption.
Sea World's Response
While Sea World has declined to comment specifically on the ongoing legal proceedings, the company maintains it prioritises staff safety above all else. A spokesperson for the theme park emphasised their commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards for both animals and employees.
Industry Implications
This case raises important questions about workplace safety protocols within marine parks and the psychological pressures faced by animal trainers. The outcome could potentially influence safety standards across the marine entertainment industry in Australia and beyond.
The lawsuit seeks substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and future earning capacity. The case is expected to proceed through the Queensland court system in the coming months.
