Water Rescue

At about 10.43pm on 14/2/14 Police were advised of a jet boat possibly in difficulty by the Kawarau Falls Bridge, Queenstown.

A member of the public had heard a crash by the bridge and a boat was seen being pushed off a rock and hit another one before being pushed off again and heading down stream.

There were concerns that the vessel was low in the water and may not be under control.

The local coastguard was activated along with a rescue helicopter.

At about 11.24pm the boat and 2 Males, aged in their early 20’s, were located by coastguard about 100 metres downstream from the bridge.

There was damage to the boat but they were otherwise unharmed.
They had a vehicle and boat trailer nearby.

The males indicated they had been travelling up the river when they got caught out by low water and lack of light.
The vessel was equipped with flares, a radio and lifejackets.

The occupants had been drinking and were advised not to drive and to make alternative arrangements.

About 15 minutes later the vehicle and boat trailer was stopped by police with one of the males driving.

He failed a breath screening test and was processed for drink driving.

The Queenstown harbour master has been advised of the boating incident.

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