MO-1998-205

At about 1050 on Monday, 23 March 1998, a commercial jet boat carrying 14 passengers was transiting down the upper Dart River. While negotiating a right hand bend in the river, the driver reduced power as he turned the boat hard left around a rock in midstream. When he re-applied power the engine stalled. Without directional control the driver was unable to prevent the boat striking a large rock on the river bank. The passengers and the driver received minor to serious injuries in the accident. Seven passengers were evacuated by helicopter.

Safety issues identified included the fitting of passenger seat belts and the recording in the boat of the number of passengers carried on each trip.