Executive summary
On Friday 13 February 2004 at about 2220, the restricted limit passenger vessel "Queenstown Princess" with 17 passengers and 2 crew on board grounded on the western side of the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu while returning from an evening cruise. Three passengers received minor injuries.
Because of the angle at which the boat came to rest, water entered the starboard hull through a cableway cut into the transom, flooding the engine compartment and disabling that engine. The passengers and the crewman climbed onto the shore to await rescue. The skipper refloated the boat and took it south to Collin's Bay, where he beached it.
Temporary repairs were made before the "Queenstown Princess" was escorted back to the Frankton Arm Marina under its own power.
Safety issues identified included:
• crew certification on restricted limit passenger vessels
• use of electronic navigational equipment in the safe navigation of the boat
• training for Local Launch Operator's certificate
• lack of navigational lights around Lake Wakatipu
• inability of Safe Ship Management and Maritime Safety Authority inspections and audits to ensure compliance with Maritime Rules.
Safety recommendations were made to the Chief Executive of Queenstown Lakes District Council, the owners of Queenstown Fishing Guides and Princess Cruises and the Director of Maritime Safety to address these issues.
Related Recommendations
Conduct a safety assessment on the benefits of establishing navigational light beacons on prominent points around Lake Wakatipu to assist the safe navigation of vessels at night.
Develop the restricted radar course to include other forms of electronic navigational aids, such as global position systems and echo sounders. [This SR was also applicable to investigation 04-204 restricted limit passenger vessel "Freedom III", grounding, Lake Manapouri, 24 February 2004]
Revise the syllabus for Local Launch Operator and other relevant marine qualifications to include a practical electronic navigation aid component similar to but shorter than the revised restricted radar course referred to in safety recommendation 037/04. [This SR was also applicable to investigation 04-204 restricted limit passenger vessel "Freedom III", grounding, Lake Manapouri, 24 February 2004]
Ensure that every vessel operated by the company has appropriately qualified crew in accordance with Maritime Rules Part 31B.
Conduct a cost benefit analysis into the requirement that applicants renewing their Local Launch Operator's certificate, who have not had practical electronic navigation aid training, should attend such a course before a new certificate is issued. [This SR was also applicable to investigation 04-204 restricted limit passenger vessel "Freedom III", grounding, Lake Manapouri, 24 February 2004]
Develop a comprehensive standard passenger safety briefing to include the position of life saving apparatus, actions in the case of an emergency and identifying hazardous areas on the boat.
Take steps to ensure that Maritime Safety Authority audits and inspections and Safe Ship Management inspections and surveys determine that vessels and their operations fully comply with the provisions of the Maritime Rules.