Collision skipper given periodic detention

TIMARU - A skipper whose fishing boat ran aground and sank in Tory Channel after he fell asleep at the helm was yesterday sentenced to periodic detention.

Blair Alister Jopp, 25, of Cave, South Canterbury, pleaded guilty in the Timaru District Court to charges of operating the FV Hans in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk to property and to persons.

Jopp fell asleep at the helm in August last year as the boat was entering Tory Channel, in the Marlborough Sounds. The boat ran aground and sank, but Jopp and the crew boarded a liferaft and were rescued soon after.

The FV Hans spilled large amounts of diesel and oil into the sea. The court was told that Jopp had worked 57 of 68 hours on the boat before falling asleep.

Defence counsel Nicola Hornsey said the defendant acted promptly after the collision. He reversed the boat off the rocks, activated the bilge pumps and made a mayday call. She said the defendant agreed fatigue was a factor in the accident.

Judge Colin Doherty said the conditions aboard the FV Hans were typical of the fishing industry. He said the offence was becoming prevalent in Tory Channel.

Jopp was sentenced to four months' periodic detention and fined $2000.

- NZPA