Coroner adjourns inquest into Picton launch skipper's death

Blenheim coroner Peter Radich has adjourned an inquest into the death of a Picton launch skipper who drowned after colliding with the Cook Strait ferry Santa Regina in Queen Charlotte Sound last year.

Norman Macfarlane, 66, drowned after his launch, Timeless, crossed the bow of the Strait Shipping ferry which smashed his vessel in half.

A Transport Accident Investigation Commission report found that Mr Macfarlane broke navigation bylaws and maritime collision regulations when he steered his 10m craft into the path of the 14,588-tonne Santa Regina.

The report released last March found that Mr Macfarlane and the master of the Santa Regina saw each other from a distance of about 2km.

However, Mr Macfarlane made the "fatal error" of turning to port instead of starboard moments before the vessels collided about 7.18pm on May 2, 2005.

Mr Macfarlane's partner, Janice Curd, was plucked from the water by a Santa Regina rescue boat.

After hearing police evidence yesterday, Mr Radich adjourned the inquest sine die to hear a report from the Picton harbourmaster on the implementation of recommendations made after investigations by the commission and Maritime NZ into the tragedy.

Mr Radich said he was keen to ensure that the recommendations were acted upon and other issues raised were being addressed.

- NZPA