Sydney: Six people were killed as a result of a boat crash in Australia s famed Sydney Harbour today when a fishing vessel slammed into an overcrowded cruiser apparently out on an illegal overnight joyride.

All eight other people aboard the cruiser were injured in the accident, which happened in the pre-dawn darkness not far from the city's iconic Harbour Bridge.

The dead included four women and two men ranging in age from their teens to 30. The early signs pointed on an evening of merry-making that went tragically wrong.

"This is every parent's nightmare," Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Australian radio. "So much of Sydney's life and activity happens in and around the harbour. People go out to celebrate and have a good time, and for this to be the end of it is just breathtaking," he said.

Police said five victims died at the scene, while an 18-year-old woman and eight men in their 20s and early 30s were taken to the Royal North Shore Hospital.

The Australian Associated Press reported late today that a sixth victim, a 30-year-old man, had died in hospital after suffering serious head injuries.

A hospital spokesman said two others injured in the collision remained in hospital, both in a stable condition.

The two people aboard the fishing boat were unhurt.

Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported one of the dead may have been a US citizen. The US consulate in Sydney confirmed a citizen was on board but would release no further details, including whether or not the person survived.

The owner of the cruiser, John McPherson, said his vessel was used in his ship repair business and that he had no idea why it was not at its mooring when the accident happened just before 3:00 am.

Source : PTI