Skipper fined after two hurt

A skipper of a recreational boat has been fined $200 for failing to prevent a collision, after a boating incident that left two people injured.

The incident happened on the Jacobs River Estuary in Riverton in July, when four people came off a rowing skiff, leading to two being taken to Southland Hospital with moderate injuries.

Environment Southland compliance manager Donna Ferguson said a full and thorough investigation had been carried out following the accident, after the case was handed over by Maritime New Zealand.

‘‘Due to the public interest in this case, we sought additional legal review of the outcome to ensure its robustness.’’

The skipper of a recreational boat was found to have breached Maritime Rules and Southland Regional Council Navigation Safety bylaws relating to the prevention of a collision and safe speeds.

The harbourmaster had also been supporting the Riverton Rowing Club as it took proactive steps to improve its health and safety practices, Ferguson said.

The incident happened on a Sunday morning when the Riverton Coastguard happened to be busy with a skipper’s assessment and was just 200m away.

‘‘This was an accident that impacted all of those involved, not least of all the young victim, who suffered serious injuries and faces a long recovery. Our thoughts are with them all,’’ Ferguson said.