No ACC compensation for widow

The widow of the skipper who drowned after police delayed a rescue flight is now caught in a battle with ACC.

Chontelle Delacroix has been refused support by the corporation after her partner Greg Thirkettle drowned when the fishing boat Iron Maiden sank. His cousin Mark Scott, also drowned.

ACC has refused compensation for Ms Delacroix, saying it can find no record of any tax being paid by the fishermen's employer, boat owner Andrew McMillan.

The Herald on Sunday revealed last week the police Northern Communications Centre delayed a rescue helicopter because of "confusion" about its capabilities.

The Maritime Safety Authority's rescue centre - which now handles marine rescues - argued at the time that the helicopter was capable of handling the stormy weather. Draft reports into the accident say it is unlikely the police blunder would have changed the outcome.

The draft reports also state that Mr McMillan was in debt and received no insurance payment after the sinking of Iron Maiden. He has since left New Zealand and is believed to be in Australia.

Ms Delacroix, who gave birth to baby Greg four months after the accident, was stunned to find ACC had refused her application for a survivor's grant and income assistance.

Act leader Rodney Hide said it was a travesty Ms Delacroix should suffer at the hands of a second government department.

"If an employer fails to meet his obligations, take it out on the employer, not the employee."

Mr Hide said he would examine the case and raise questions with ACC Minister Ruth Dyson. ACC was unavailable for comment.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY