Jet-boater's death accidental

Police at the scene of the jet-boating accident on the Ngaruroro River that claimed the life of Dale Baker. Photo / File

The death of a jet-boater killed on a Hawke's Bay river after being crushed by a large branch was simply a "tragic accident", a coroner has found.

Coroner Chris Devonport said Taranaki man Dale John Baker, 51, died from traumatic asphyxia after becoming wedged under a branch when he lost control of the jetboat he was driving and hit a bank on the Ngaruroro River on January 4 this year.

Four other passengers were in the Jet Boating New Zealand member's boat "Bang On" - one of four jet-boats that had set off from the Chesterhope Bridge at 9.30am during a club run in Hawke's Bay.

In findings released yesterday, his partner and front seat passenger, Julie Williams, estimated the boat was travelling at about 40-50km/h when Mr Baker turned into a channel and exclaimed "oh sh*t", before slipping the boat into reverse to lessen the impact with the riverbank.

The crash pinned Mr Baker backwards beneath the branch.

His seat was in a reclined position, trapping a female passenger siting directly behind him.

He was unresponsive. Attempts were made to free him but it wasn't until two other boats arrived on the scene that the boat was able to be reversed to free him.

Resuscitation attempts were made, but to no avail.

Police said the boat had hit shingle before Mr Baker lost steering, with the boat continuing in a straight line before hitting the bank.

A post-mortem examination found crush injuries to the chest were traumatic enough to prevent normal respiration and circulation.

Another passenger described the Waitara-based jet-boater as a "safety minded" person, who had "behaved professionally".

Jet Boating New Zealand president Garth McMaster said he agreed Mr Baker's death was a tragic accident.

"It's one of those incidents you haven't got any control over."

Mr McMaster said the Ngaruroro River was not considered a dangerous river and wasn't known for accidents.

"It's a shallow-braided river, like many rivers in New Zealand."

He did not believe the Ngaruroro River was at an especially low level at the time of Mr Baker's death.

Mr Baker is survived by two children, aged 16 and 25.