In April last year, Auckland man James Thomson collided his power boat with the historic ferry Waitere near Russell, resulting in critical injuries to the ferry’s skipper and minor injuries to several passengers.
The 90-year-old ferry, also known as the ‘Blue Ferry’, sank shortly after the collision.
Thomson, who admitted to being distracted by an engine alarm, was traveling at over 20 knots when he struck the ferry. He has been ordered by the Auckland District Court to pay more than $130,000 in reparations to the victims for emotional harm and consequential losses.
The Waitere’s skipper, Bill Elliott, suffered critical head and spinal injuries as a result of the collision.
Maritime New Zealand prosecuted Thomson under the Maritime Transport Act for operating his vessel dangerously, emphasising the need for skippers to stay vigilant and maintain safe speeds. The incident led to the sinking and subsequent salvaging of the Waitere, which was deemed beyond repair. The family of the injured skipper, Bill Elliott, has since acquired another historic vessel to continue their ferry service. An ongoing investigation by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission aims to prevent similar incidents in the future.
But everyone knows that the more you own the more right of way you buy in ak.
Silly little old ferry is junk compared to a big shiny expensive new fast big launch.
Rich wins.
Glad the wealthy are cleaning up all these unsustainable old dirty things and replacing them with shiny new sustainable investments like my new EV.
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