MO-2001-201

On Thursday 25 January 2001 at about 0945, the commercial jet boat "Huka Jet 3", with a driver and 10 passengers on board, was proceeding at about 60 km/h into the area known as the "Second Tunnel" on Lake Aratiatia on the Waikato River near Taupo, when the extreme right rear of the boat struck a rock on the riverbank. The impact slewed the boat to the right and despite the driver’s efforts to regain control, the boat climbed the riverbank and came to rest among the trees within the tunnel area. Four of the passengers were severely injured and 4 others received minor injuries.

Safety issues identified included the suitability of the Second Tunnel as an area of operation for commercial jet boats.