The transport safety watchdog has issued a stern warning to the jet boat industry after an engine failure injured two people in Queenstown.
File photo: The Shotover River near Queenstown Photo: Unsplash / Bulb Creative
In March of last year, a KJet boat on Shotover River crashed into overhanging trees when the engine stopped working. Since jet boats rely on propulsion from the engine to steer, the driver couldn't swerve out of the way.
The cause was later identified as an engine control fuse box, which broke after vibrating too much. When the driver couldn't regain control of the boat, he called for his passengers to "get down," the inquiry's report detailed.
With high momentum and no way to change course, the boat ran into a patch of low-hanging trees. Only two of the twelve passengers were injured, including the driver, who were airlifted to the local hospital with moderate head injuries.
They were released later that same day.
Now the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) is advising jet boat operators to properly assess their boats for similar risk factors. The report said KJet had not identified the fuse box, which had been bolted to the engine with no protection, as a risk.
In a statement, KJet said it welcomed the inquiry and has since addressed the issue.
"As always, KJet continues to prioritise the health and safety of its passengers and drivers, and has done everything required to mitigate risk. The company will continue to work alongside Maritime New Zealand and relevant industry bodies as and when required."
TAIC has asked Maritime New Zealand to work with commercial operators, including KJet, to identify points of failure during regular inspections, and to develop guidelines for operators to identify and correct risks themselves.