Jet boat firm admits safety breaches

Kawarau Jet. Photo / Christchurch Star

The Queenstown jet boat company involved in the death of a Chinese tourist two years ago has admitted breaching maritime laws during incidents on Lake Wakatipu last year.

Kawarau Jet Services, in Queenstown District Court yesterday, admitted two charges of operating a ship in a manner that caused unnecessary danger or risk to those onboard and anyone called upon to assist, the Southland Times reported.

The charge carries a maximum fine of $100,000.

It also admitted failing to notify an accident or incident - an engine cutout - to Maritime New Zealand

Seven of 10 charges laid by Maritime New Zealand against the company, and two jet boat drivers Jamie Stuart Beer, 27, and George Mathew Wallis, 28, were withdrawn.

Maritime NZ lawyer Heather McKenzie said all the charges related to incidents during high winds on Lake Wakatipu on or about December 18 last year.

Kawarau Jet's lawyer Katy Baxter said a company representative was not in court because the charges were fines-only matters.

Sentencing will be on January 17.

In 2008 Chinese tourist Yan Wang, 42, died and six others are injured when a Kawarau Jet boat hit a sandbar and rolled at the Kawarau and Shotover River confluence. The driver, Ian Morgan, was this year found not guilty of operating a vessel in a manner which caused unnecessary danger or risk to others.

- NZPA