Maritime NZ told the Herald the Crown entity would investigate the incident that led to Cornell’s death but police were leading the initial response.
Vincent "Vinnie" Cornell died on Sunday, January 19, 2025 as a result of a jetski incident at Acacia Bay. Photo / LinkedIn
“[We] will provide [police] with any assistance and maritime expertise they might need.”
Maritime NZ is a Crown entity that maintains the national safety, security and environmental protection regulations that govern the operation of vessels, ports and offshore installations in New Zealand waters. The entity is also responsible for providing maritime safety infrastructure and incident response.
According to a Givealittle page set up by Cornell’s sister Sani Leota, Cornell’s last act was to give his life for his brother.
“[It was] a selfless and heroic act that speaks volumes about the man he was,” Leota said.
Leota said Cornell’s loss was “a massive shock”.
“Vinnie was an amazing and loving husband and father, who poured his heart and soul into his family.
“He was the pillar of strength and joy in their lives.”
Lake Taupō harbourmaster Jamie Grant said “the recent tragic event involving a personal watercraft commonly known as a jetski” highlighted the importance of following maritime rules and navigational safety bylaws.
“These rules are not in place to spoil people’s enjoyment on the water,” Grant said.
“They have been developed over many years to keep people safe. Operators of any craft should have some knowledge of these requirements to ensure their own safety and that of others while on the water.”
Coastguard New Zealand Taupō unit president Mike Hughes said Lake Taupō could be “unforgiving”.
Coastguard New Zealand Taupō unit president Mike Hughes said Lake Taupō could be “unforgiving”.
“If anything does happen on the water, it happens real quick and it will catch you unawares,” Hughes said.
“Drowning is a silent thing. It’s not loud. A lot of our rescues have been because someone has been watchful.”
When there was an emergency, Hughes said the best thing to do was to dial 111.
“They have the ability to know where you are through that call. Describe what you are seeing. They will activate Coastguard and anyone else appropriate.”
If possible, Hughes said, throw something floatable to the person.
“If you’re in the water, stay calm and just raise your arm, call out for help if you can and just wait. If you’ve got that lifejacket on that will give you time.”
Rules for personal watercraft on Lake Taupō include:
· Lifejackets: Every person on board a personal watercraft or being towed must wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.
· Communication: Every skipper must carry at least one form of waterproof communication. For personal watercraft, it is advised that your communication device is on your person, not stored on the vessel, in case you are separated.
· Speed Limits: Do not exceed a speed of more than 5 knots (9km/h) within 200 metres of the shore or structures, and within 50 metres of other vessels or persons in the water.
· Minimum Age: Operators of a powered vessel capable of exceeding 10 knots must be at least 15 years of age unless under the direct supervision of a person over 15 years who is within immediate reach of the controls.
· Wake: Ensure that the wake from your vessel does not cause unnecessary danger or risk of damage to other vessels, persons, or structures.
· Registration: Every personal watercraft used in or on the waters of the lake must be registered by a regional council.
