NZ Jet Boats Collide: Drivers to be Prosecuted

Charges have been laid against two commercial jet boat drivers following a collision on the Dart River, near Queenstown, in which a passenger suffered a broken clavicle & several others suffered bruising.

The incident involved jet boats from Dart River Safaris (who do not face any charges as a result of the incident) one jet boat carrying 11 passengers and heading upstream and the other, carrying the driver alone, heading downstream.
The charges, laid under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act, are that the drivers caused unnecessary risk or danger to those on board through their actions.

If convicted, the drivers face a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months and/or a fine not exceeding $10,000.

Following the incident, Maritime New Zealand imposed conditions on the company, preventing the drivers from operating.

The matter is scheduled for a first call in Queenstown District Court on 29 July 2013.

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) will not be naming the drivers prior to their court appearance.