A Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) report has confirmed that the 2022 Kaikōura boating tragedy which killed five people was caused by the vessel hitting a whale.
The victims were trapped under the upturned boat in a petrol-contaminated air pocket, wearing inflated lifejackets that hindered escape.
The fuel leak, caused by defects in the vessel’s fuel system, created a toxic environment that, along with cold water and confined space, significantly reduced their chances of survival.
The report also found the emergency beacon couldn’t be activated, and communication failures delayed rescue efforts, though TAIC concluded that even an earlier response wouldn’t have changed the outcome.
The report criticised the lack of a coordinated rescue plan in Kaikōura, describing the response as “disorganised” and hampered by miscommunication and resource limitations.
It took over five hours for divers to arrive, despite early signs people were trapped. TAIC recommended improvements including better vessel inspections, personal locator beacons for all crew, and education on deflating lifejackets.
Maritime NZ and police say they have acted on or are working through the recommendations. The victims were all members of the Nature Photography Society.
Horis are liable
They own the whales