In a four-week trial Lance Goodhew, a 59-year-old skipper from Coopers Beach, was found not guilty of failing his responsibilities.
Five men died when the boat capsized due to a rogue wave.
The incident occurred on March 20, 2022, after the men had spent three days fishing at the Three Kings Islands. Despite a gale warning predicting rough seas, Goodhew relied on the PredictWind app, which updates infrequently.
Judge Philip Rzepecky heard evidence from Maritime New Zealand and Goodhew’s defense. After considering the unpredictability of rogue waves and the nature of the sea, Judge Rzepecky concluded that it was not reasonably foreseeable for Goodhew to anticipate such a wave, leading to his acquittal.
During the trial, both the prosecution and defense presented extensive evidence, including testimonies from survivors, local fishermen, and weather experts. The prosecution argued that Goodhew’s decision to leave the fishing spot and navigate around North Cape was reckless given the weather conditions.
However, the defense emphasised the inherent unpredictability of the ocean and Goodhew’s extensive seafaring knowledge. Judge Rzepecky acknowledged the tragic loss and the ordeal faced by the survivors and victims’ families but ultimately ruled that the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Goodhew acted negligently.
…still want to buy a boat for recreational use?
If you happen upon a ‘violation’, jealousy then arises from government bureaucrats who are not boat owners, and one can expect heavy fines, bankrupting restitution, and possibly jail time.
Same thing goes for aviation here in politically correct, medicated left-wing ‘Aotearoa’…
That’ll tech you for engaging in recreational activities strictly reserved for the PTB and the Status-Quo…HOW DARE YOU INTRUDE ON THEIR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT ARE SO OVERPRICED THAT NO ONE CAN AFFORD THEM ANYWAY, EXCEPT THE PTB AND THEIR BOURGEOISE ILK!!!