Executive summary
On Thursday 29 June 2000 at about 1505, the jet boat "Discovery" was approaching Tyrees Cut on the Shotover River with the driver and 15 passengers on board. The driver had reduced speed approaching the cut, and as he attempted to accelerate to maintain control of the boat the left side of his boot momentarily caught on the accelerator surround, preventing him from applying optimum power for the manoeuvre, causing the boat to drift to the right of the intended track. The stern of the boat clipped the canyon wall, causing it to spin towards a recess in the wall. The driver managed to apply power and avoid the recess but the starboard bow of the boat collided with the rock face immediately downstream. The driver and 13 passengers suffered minor injuries and 2 passengers suffered moderate injuries. The boat was extensively damaged.
Safety issues identified included:
• the suitability of footwear worn while driving jet boats
• the lack of co-ordinated radio communication procedures for emergency services in the Queenstown area
• the non-reporting of hazards and incidents
• a speed restriction placed on the area of the accident potentially compromising safety.
Related Recommendations
modify either the gunwale or the passenger seats to prevent passengers sliding into the gap under the gunwale.
liaise with rescue helicopter and jet boat operators to develop a plan to introduce the use of a common radio frequency by all parties during rescue operations
introduce appropriate and practicable speed restrictions through Tyrees Cut and other similar areas of concern on the river.
remove or alter the extended plate to the left of the accelerator to prevent the driver’s forefoot from catching on it.