Executive summary
On Monday 14 May 2001, the passenger charter vessel, "Osprey", with the skipper and 6 passengers on board, departed Tolaga Bay for a half-day fishing trip. At about 0830, while crossing the Uawa River bar outbound, the boat encountered 2 waves substantially larger than those already crossed. The first wave heeled the boat significantly to port, causing all on board to lose their footing. One passenger was thrown overboard. The second wave passed over the boat and caused substantial damage to the boat and flooding of the cockpit.
Despite rescue and resuscitation attempts, the passenger who was thrown overboard drowned.
Safety issues identified included:
• the wearing of lifejackets while crossing a river bar
• the swell and wind condition limits placed on the Osprey
• the inherent dangers of crossing river bars.
Safety recommendations were made to the owner of Tolaga Bay East Cape Charters to address the safety issues.
Related Recommendations
In conjunction with Survey Nelson Limited, amend the ship safety manual to reflect: · a policy to ensure that all persons on board wear a lifejacket when crossing the bar outbound and inbound regardless of the prevailing conditions on the bar. · operating limits set separately for the Uawa River bar and outer fishing grounds, based on observed conditions, the capabilities of the Osprey and his own local knowledge and experience.