Killed jet boater a ‘good mate’

The man killed in a jet boat crash in Central Otago was an experienced driver who competed around the world.

Christchurch man Cameron Moore, 45, died after the boat he was in crashed into a steep bank of the Clutha River on Sunday during the Otago Rivers Jet Boat Race.

Moore died at the scene, upstream of the Luggate Bridge. His navigator, 34-yearold Rangiora man Adam Wilton, suffered a concussion and broken fingers and was flown to Dunedin Hospital.

A witness at the scene said the boat crashed into a bank by a willow tree. The boat apparently slid about 20 metres up a 40m bank.

The New Zealand Jet Boat River Racing Association said in a statement it had lost one of its ‘‘family’’ in the crash. Moore was a passionate competitor and supporter of jet boat racing, the statement said.

Association president John Derry said Moore was a ‘‘good mate to the racing fraternity’’ and ran his own race team. ‘‘We all know and accept the risk of competitive motorsport but in our small close-knit jet boat racing community this is a particularly difficult time.’’

The association expressed its ‘‘heartfelt condolences’’ to Moore’s family.

The Christchurch father was a serious contender in every jet boat class he entered and raced internationally numerous times, Derry said. He also raced rally cars and enjoyed other motorsports.

‘‘He was a lover of all things motor racing.’’

Moore was also well known in recreational outdoor pursuits through his ownership of the Ballinger’s Hunting and Fishing store in Tower Junction, Christchurch.

Hunting and Fishing New Zealand chief executive Darren Jacobs said in a statement, Moore’s death was a ‘‘great loss’’ to the Hunting and Fishing community.

‘‘He was a popular, respected and highly successful member of our owneroperator community and our condolences go to his family, friends, colleagues and staff at this difficult time.’’

The remainder of the two-day event was called off after the crash, which happened during the first of two afternoon legs about 1.15pm on Sunday. No other boat was involved. Police and Maritime New Zealand are investigating.

The association said the race boat left the water on a straight section of the river, coming to rest on a steep embankment. River racing paramedics attended from the event’s patrol boats, along with a rescue helicopter.