Charter boat death: chef ‘happy’ in new job

THE family of a young chef who died after falling overboard a charter boat in Auckland’s Waitemata¯ Harbour has described her as a ‘‘happy girl’’ who had recently started her new job.

Danielle Tamarua died of critical injuries after she fell overboard a Zefiro Charters boat on Thursday evening.

The 25-year-old was on board with fellow staff from LittleWolf Catering, which she had recently joined as a part-time chef.

Her mother, Iti Tamarua, said her daughter’s passing was an extra blow for the family as she had lost her husband David about two years ago.

‘‘This is so shocking, [and] sudden for us.’’

Iti Tamarua said her daughter was popular and loved to spend time with her friends.

‘‘She makes friends really easily everywhere she goes.’’

She also said her son was struggling in Melbourne over the loss of his sister and most likely won’t be able to make it in time for the funeral. In Cook Islands culture, bereavement ceremonies can take up to a week.

Littlewolf Catering earlier described Tamarua as a ‘‘beautiful, kind and much loved member of our team’’.

In a statement, general manager Marcel Leydesdorff said they ‘‘are sad beyond words’’.

‘‘It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the staff of Shallot Hospitality, trading as LittleWolf Catering, were the guests involved in Thursday’s tragic events on Waitemata¯ Harbour.

‘‘Danielle Tamarua was a beautiful, kind and much loved member of our team. We are sad beyond words and extend our deepest condolences to

Danielle’s family and friends.’’

Leydesdorff also expressed gratitude to emergency services which came to help, including a paramedic, first aiders, ferry crews, police and the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.

‘‘We also thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support.’’

In a 2014 advertisement for New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA), which provides hospitality education, Tamarua states her ambition to become a chocolatier.

At the time, she was working for the college’s Cafe Fusion.

The owners of the charter boat, Lawrence Knight and Ben Mostert, said their hearts went out to the family and friends of the deceased.

‘‘We are shocked and devastated with the events that unfolded yesterday afternoon,’’ they said in a statement on

Friday.

Police and Maritime NZ were still working to understand the circumstances of Tamarua’s death, police said yesterday.