MO-2003-202

On Tuesday 18 February 2003, at about 1530, as the spectator fleet proceeded back towards Auckland Harbour after race 3 of the America’s Cup regatta, the pleasure launch "Barossa" and the passenger trimaran "Triptych" collided in the vicinity of the entrance to the Rangitoto Channel. There were 10 people on board the Barossa, and 7 crew and 64 passengers on board the "Triptych". During the collision 3 of those on the launch fell or jumped into the sea but they were rescued by other craft. No serious injuries were sustained and both vessels, although moderately damaged, were able to reach their berths under their own power.

Safety issues identified included:

· severe sea conditions generated by the wash from a very large fleet of vessels.
· operating a vessel under sail while manoeuvring within a large fleet of vessels
· speed of vessels in close proximity of each other
· interaction between vessels operating in close proximity of each other.
· visibility from the steering position of the" Triptych".

Safety recommendations have been made to the Director of Maritime Safety, the Chief Executive Officer at the Auckland Regional Council and the owner of Triptych Cruises to address these issues.