Shotover jetboats still high and dry

A Shotover jet in action

Queenstown thrill-ride operator Shotover Jet remains out of the water again today as the company make a thorough review of its jetboat fleet and safety systems.

The Ngai Tahu-owned company had hoped to have its six remaining boats back on the Shotover River today, but safety checks in conjunction with Maritime New Zealand and the Queenstown Lakes District Council are taking longer than expected.

Fire sank one boat at its moorings on Sunday while a group of passengers was waiting to board. A Fire Service investigation found that the blaze was caused by fuel vapours igniting in the boat's bilge.

The business also closed voluntarily for six days before Christmas so engineers could assess an engine-management computer system on the tourist jetboats.

Queenstown harbourmaster Marty Black told NZPA today no further tests were being done today, but "we may have another look at the boats tomorrow".

Mr Black said it was "unlikely" the boats could resume operations tomorrow.

Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Duncan Field told NZPA extra safety auditing sought from the company had delayed the resumption of operations.

Mr Field said Maritime New Zealand had issued a notice under Section 55 of the Maritime Transport Act requiring the company to complete its own internal review and confirm all boats were fit for use "with particular emphasis on fuel systems".

"We've put it back on them to confirm for us that all of their boats and safety systems comply with their various consents and safe ooperating plans," he said.

"Safety comes first, second and third."

Mr Field said to be fair to Shotover Jet, the company had initiated the closures before Christmas and since Sunday for safety reasons.

Shotover Jet runs high-spead thrill rides through the Shotover River's narrow canyons in jetboats that can do 360deg spins.

Ngai Tahu Tourism acting general manager Rick Tau was unavailable for comment this morning.

However, he told the New Zealand Herald yesterday there was a concern customers would be deterred by the series of mechanical failures that had dogged the business recently.

"That's why we want to get going again. We are just trying to keep our tourist suppliers advised," he said.

The company has lost 10 trading days since engine problems became apparent.

- NZPA