6 October 2009
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is warning boaties of the dangers of 'do-it-yourself' repairs and maintenance following the release of an accident report into the tragic deaths of two fishermen off the Horowhenua coast.
MNZ conducted an investigation after the 4.5m aluminium dinghy Viper 1 sank while the two men were fishing off Waiterere Beach, near Levin, on 16 March this year. A search and rescue operation was launched after the pair were reported overdue to Police about 9.30pm. The vessel was later found about 4km offshore, partially submerged with only the bow protruding out of the water. The bodies of the men were found some distance away. A post-mortem found that they had died of drowning, brought on by hypothermia.
MNZ Manager of Recreational Boating, Jim Lott, said the purpose of MNZ’s investigation was not to lay blame, but to identify safety lessons to help prevent similar accidents from happening to others.
“Our thoughts are with the families of both men following this tragic accident. Sadly, the key lesson from this accident is the critical importance of all boaties routinely maintaining their vessels to ensure seaworthiness before taking to the water – particularly older vessels like this one – and of ensuring that any repairs or modifications are carried out to a very high standard. This is no different from a car, which needs regular maintenance and repair by qualified mechanics to keep it in good working order and to ensure it is safe to remain on the road.”
Mr Lott said post-accident testing of the vessel found that a series of ‘DIY’ repairs, maintenance and modifications, meant the vessel was not safe to operate. “In particular, a series of screw and rivet holes at the stern of the vessel had not been properly sealed, allowing water to flow in, greatly reducing freeboard (the amount of clearance above the water-line) and making the vessel unstable. However, because the water would have pooled in the compartment underneath the floor decking, the men may not have been aware of it until it was too late. A number of modifications, including the mounting of an auxiliary engine on the port (left) side of the vessel, also had the overall effect of further reducing freeboard.”
He said further tests of the vessel using two men of a similar size to the skipper and his passenger, revealed that once stationary, the boat would have begun leaking and quickly filling with seawater, making it unstable and prone to sinking within about 20 minutes. “It is therefore likely that these leaks and the ingress of water resulted in the Viper 1 foundering and subsequently sinking.”
Mr Lott said despite both men wearing lifejackets, due to the speed of the vessel sinking, they were not otherwise prepared for survival in the water, with no working communications equipment available to them once it sank. Nor had they told anyone how long they would be out and when they were expected back. “Again, sadly, this tragedy highlights the importance of boaties not only wearing lifejackets, but carrying reliable communications equipment, telling someone where you’re going, and being prepared to survive if you do end up in the water.”
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
