NZer charged over ferry standoff

BRISBANE - The New Zealand man at the centre of a 16-hour standoff on the Brisbane River on Monday has been charged with seven offences in a bedside hearing at Royal Brisbane Hospital.

Police charged the 54-year-old with serious assault, unlawful stalking, bomb hoax, endangering safe use of transport infrastructure, attempting to destroy property by explosives, endangering property by fire and attempted arson of a vessel.

Police allege he poured diesel over a boat and ignited the fuel before using a bayonet to self-inflict wounds to his chest and abdomen.

He will remain in hospital for treatment and is due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 16.

The drama began at the Riverside ferry terminal in the CBD with a call to police at 5am (AEST).

Police were held at bay for the next 16 hours forcing businesses to close and causing widespread disruptions to ferry services.

It ended about 9pm (12am NZT) when the yacht was set on fire and the man jumped into the water. He was fished out and taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital.

Restaurants affected by the day-long standoff are still feeling the pain and are contemplating insurance claims for lost revenue and wages.

Two of the hardest hit were Groove Train, which is a licensed cafe on the boardwalk at the Riverside terminal, and the up-market Jellyfish restaurant about 50 metres further along the water's edge.

Managers from the Groove Train and Jellyfish told AAP on Tuesday they are considering insurance claims after losing a combined $60,000 in revenue and wages.

Groove Train manager Gemma May said despite remaining closed on Monday they will pay their staff for a day's work.

"We are looking into that, but not a lot of businesses like to claim on their insurance as premiums go up," Ms May told AAP.

"It's hit three businesses along here, but I know the owners are looking into it.

"We lost a function yesterday evening for 30 people for a three-course meal.

"It's been very slow today."

Jellyfish spokesman Chris Higgins said not only did the restaurant lose thousands of dollars but he felt sorry for his workers whose shifts were cancelled.

"We're a bit low in numbers today but it's probably a flow-on effect from yesterday," Mr Higgins told AAP.

"A lot of them (staff) are casuals, who have families and kids, so it's not only the revenue we lose, but it's also the effect on my staff as they don't get paid.

"I am currently negotiating that (an insurance claim) possibility at the moment."

- AAP