Fundraiser launched after houseboat explosion on Hastings River

Stephen King has harnessed crowdfunding platform GoFundMe to raise money for his friend Ian who is recovering from second and third degree burns received in the explosion.

Ian and his 16-year-old son were on board the houseboat on the Hastings River at the time of the explosion. They are lucky to be alive.

Emergency crews were called at about 7.50pm on June 30 after receiving reports of an explosion near Settlement Point. The boat was found near Pelican Island.

Ian and his son were taken by ambulance to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

Ian was airlifted by Westpac Rescue Helicopter to the burns unit at Royal North Shore Hospital and his son was assessed at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and discharged shortly after.

The houseboat, which wasn't insured, was extensively damaged. The GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $1500 of its $80,000 goal.

The houseboat pictured on the water. Photo: Stephen King

Mr King urged people to support the GoFund Me campaign to help Ian.

"He is a champion, a dedicated family man and a great friend of mine," Mr King said.

"I've donated a couple of hundred bucks and a lot of his friends have come to the party. I'm trying to raise some money for him to get back on his feet and help him with a few bills.

"Any help would be greatly appreciated."

Mr King has many happy memories of time spent on the houseboat which he described as Ian's pride and joy.

It is expected to cost more than $80,000 to rebuild the boat.

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GoFundMe campaign launched after houseboat explosion on Hastings River

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Lisa Tisdell

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