Restricted limit passenger vessel "Queenstown Princess", grounding, Lake Wakatipu, 13 February 2004
Status
Closed
Occurrence Date
Report Publication Date
Jurisdiction
NZ
Legacy Inquiry Number
04-202
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.
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.
Location
Lake Wakatipu (-45.090687,168.683342) [may be approximate]