Maritime NZ to prosecute over fishing boat sinking

Maritime New Zealand has launched a prosecution over the sinking of Nelson fishing boat Mi Jay with the loss of three lives.

The 13-metre Mi Jay disappeared after leaving Nelson in November last year.

The bodies of crew Wiremu Tawhiti, 53, and Cedric James, 52, were found in a life raft off Kaikoura coast the following month.

The body of skipper Paul Rees, 52, has never been found.

A Maritime New Zealand spokeswoman today refused to give details of the charges or who they would be brought against, ahead of tomorrow's hearing in Nelson District Court.

The Mi Jay was the second boat belonging to Crusader Fisheries director Warwick Loader to be lost last year, following the sinking of the Ma Marie off the West Coast in January while fishing for tuna.

- NZPA