Maritime New Zealand is investigating whether a cruise ship company is liable over the death of a crew member in an explosion in Dunedin.
The Emerald Princess seen docked at Port Chalmers. Photo: RNZ / Lydia Anderson
A young Filipino man was killed on the Emerald Princess last Thursday when a gas cylinder hit him as he was carrying out maintenance on the ship's lifeboats, while it was docked at Port Chalmers.
Maritime New Zealand spokesman Vince Cholewa said an investigation was being carried out under the Maritime Transport Act, and the penalties included a fine of up to $100,000 or 12 months' jail.
He said the ship's owners, police and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority were involved in the investigation, which is expected to take weeks.