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MSA chief accident investigator Mike Eno said the crew performed very well after the grounding and their training had helped enormously, although the company’s crew training could be further improved.
The investigation found the accident happened when an engine failed at a critical moment in the confines of the cove at Cape Brett.
“The skipper found himself in the unenviable situation of being ashore in a rocky cove, with no forward motion and with not a great deal of sea room,” said Mr Eno.
“Fortunately, and because of the quick reactions of the crew, there were no injuries among the 62 people on board.
“Although it is unknown exactly what caused the engine to fail, we suspect it failed due to an abnormality in the fuel system. This is because both the port engine and generator failed within a short period of time, and the fuel system was one of the few common links between the two.”
Although the vessel carried enough lifejackets at the time of the accident, all the children’s lifejackets were one size. Lifejackets must be a correct fit for each person.
Further information
On the day of the accident, the skipper had decided the weather and sea conditions were too rough to pass through the Hole in the Rock, which is a natural tunnel passing through Piercy Island.
Instead, the skipper steered Tiger III around the west coast of Otuwhanga Island towards the landing below Cape Brett Lighthouse. When approaching the cove below the lighthouse, the port engine failed so the skipper stopped the vessel about 40 metres from the shore where the other engine failed soon after.
The skipper was unable to turn Tiger III away from the rocks, whichresulted in damage to the left side of the vessel. Due to concerns that the vessel would be pushed further into the Gut, which is a small narrow passage in between mainland and the island, the skipper decided to keep the vessel alongside a natural rock ledge, using moorings.
Once close enough to the rocks, a crewmember jumped ashore with a mooring line. Other crewmembers fastened more mooring lines to rock pinnacles on the shore. When the lines were secure, crewmembers helped passengers abandon Tiger III which was surging against the rocks.
Subsequent attempts to salvage the Tiger III failed and it was cut into small sections and removed by barge in late January.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
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