Working on their boat at the Lemon Tree Passage marina was a regular activity for Port Stephens father and son, Craig and Schon Casey.
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According to close friends, Craig, a qualified shipwright, and Schon, his shadow, would often make the short trek from their home to the boat anchored at the marina and the afternoon of Monday, March 18, started as a normal day for them both until tragedy struck.
Inexplicably, while the pair toiled away there was an explosion and the boat suddenly caught fire, leaving both father and son with horrific burns.
First responders - consisting of a full medical team including the fire service, police and paramedics - were able to provide medical treatment while the rescue helicopter service was summoned.
Twelve-year-old Schon was airlifted by the Westpac helicopter to Sydney's Westmead Children's Hospital while his 48-year-old father was flown by the Toll chopper to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.
The tragic incident has devastated the family - including mum Natalie and Schon's brother Flynn - and impacted the Tilligerry Peninsula where the Caesys are known for their involvement in both Tillligerry soccer and athletics clubs.
A close friend of the Casey family, Jade Battishall-Morrison, said that both father and son are going to require weeks to months of treatment at their respective hospitals.
"This will be extremely tough on both Natalie and Flynn, with the ongoing medical costs that will continue to grow, and being over 300kms away from their family home," Ms Battishall-Morrison said.
"On top of that, Natalie will not be able to work while she stands by her husband and youngest son on their road to recovery."
Ms Battishall-Morrison has set up a Gofundme page with the goal of raising $30,000 to help cover medical and other costs for the Casey family.
"Any money raised will reduce the financial stress placed on the family during this time, allowing them to focus on the recovery of Craig and Schon."
The Casey family has lived in the Tilligerry community for well over 25 years. In addition to the children being members of the soccer and athletics clubs, Craig regularly takes part in the fishing club outings.
"The Tilligerry community is known for supporting its own, particularly in times of tragedy and the people have always shown what they can do so let's do it one more time," Ms Battishall-Morrison.
"The Gofundme page has been set up to help Craig and Schon get the best treatment and to allow Nat and Flynn some financial assistance so that they can help with the care and support needed.
"The people of the Tilligerry peninsula have always shown what they can do as a community in so lets do it one more time
"All donations, big or small, will be greatly appreciated."
