New Zealand

Cause of crash on Shotover River unknown

16:36 pm on 23 November 2010

The owner of the Shotover Jet business says it still does not know the cause of a crash in the Shotover River near Queenstown on Monday.

Maritime New Zealand has begun an investigation after a jetboat carrying 14 people hit a rock on the river, putting five tourists in hospital.

David Kennedy, regional general manager for Ngai Tahu Tourism, which owns Shotover Jet Ltd, says there was minimal damage to the boat and the tourists suffered whiplash and minor injuries.

Mr Kennedy says accidents are not common on the river. The last was 11 years ago when a Japanese tourist was killed.

Shotover Jet is continuing its services as normal.