Regional council to investigate Fieldays boat capsizing

Tuesday, 8 July 2014 - 2:24pm

Waikato

Hamilton Police who investigated an alleged alcohol related boating incident on the Waikato River last month involving a group of men on their way back from Fieldays say that while no crime was committed the group may still be held to account for their actions.

City Area Commander, Inspector Greg Nicholls, said while tragedy was narrowly averted in the 13 June incident it still involved considerable resources and support from the public to safely resolve.

"Five men were involved in the incident which involved their boat capsizing while they were heading back to Hamilton on the Waikato River from the Fieldays event being held at Mystery Creek.

"One man managed to make it to shore while another was rescued by a waka crewed by members of the public while the Police rescue boat picked up the others in the water. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in what occurred."

Mr Nicholls said the matter had been investigated by Police and while there was not what would be normally termed as criminal offending identified this did not mean the men would not be held to account for their actions.

"There has potentially been a breach identified under the Maritime Transport Act and, as a result, the matter has been referred to the Waikato Regional Council to formally investigate in conjunction with their Navigation Safety Programme to determine any issues of culpability.

"To that end Police will assist the council with any queries they may have and we would like to point out the need for all boat owners and users to ensure both they and their vessels are fit to be on the water."

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