KEY POINTS:
The skipper of a New Zealand speedboat which killed a Guatemalan fisherman last week says he is surprised he has been ordered to make another court appearance tomorrow.
Aucklander Pete Bethune appeared in court this morning NZ time, but the judge said she wanted to hear from the family of the dead man.
Julio David Galiano Contreras, 54, the owner of the fishing boat Carmencita died after the collision in the early hours of March 18. His body has not been found.
"I thought I was going to be exonerated today -- maybe it's tomorrow," said Mr Bethune.
"It's a little bit disconcerting that this curveball means we've got to go back for a second hearing," he told Radio New Zealand.
Mr Bethune was detained on the damaged Earthrace boat in a naval base for nine days after the crash, but at the weekend was allowed to join his crew in the tourist town of Antigua.
The Earthrace was attempting a round-the-world speed record when it hit the fishing boat off the Guatamala coast.
Mr Bethune said he understood little of the court proceedings, to which he was accompanied by his lawyers.
He said he and his crew were working to prepare Earthrace to leave Guatemala once the court allows them to do so.
- NZPA
