MO-2001-216

Yacht "Toolka-T" and tug and barge "Wainui" and "Seatow 11", collision, Takatu Point, north of Auckland, 16 November 2001
Status
Closed
Occurrence Date
Report Publication Date
Jurisdiction
NZ
Legacy Inquiry Number
01-216
On Friday 16 November 2001, at about 0445, the yacht "Toolka-T" fouled the towline between the tug "Wainui" and barge "Sea-Tow 11" and was carried along the towline until it collided with the bow of the barge. The "Toolka-T" passed under the barge and sank as a result of the collision.

The collision occurred off Takatu Point while the "Toolka-T" was southbound towards Gulf Harbour and the "Wainui" was northbound from Auckland to a sand excavation site north of Cape Rodney.

There were 4 people on board the "Toolka-T". The owner of the yacht was unable to get clear of the yacht and did not survive. The other 3 crew were rescued and suffered minor injuries only. There were 5 crew on the "Wainui", none of whom were injured. The "Sea-Tow 11" was not manned.

Safety issues identified included:
• the standard of training of watchkeepers on both vessels
• the legislative requirements for crewing and qualifications of both commercial and pleasure vessels.

Safety recommendations were made to the Director of Maritime Safety to address the issues.
Location
Takatu Point (-36.350804,174.876938) [may be approximate]