Russell ferry update

The skipper of a boat was momentarily distracted by the sound of an engine alarm when he collided with a ferry in the Bay of Islands that critically injured the ferry’s skipper, and threw another passenger overboard.

The crash critically injured 77-year-old ferry skipper Bill Elliot who has been left paralysed from the chest down.

Suzanne Trounson sought $100,000 in reparation to be paid to Elliott. She acknowledged this was the highest amount sought under the Maritime Transport Act, but she said it was justified given the impact on Elliott’s life.


www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350312687/russells-blue-ferry-master-forgives-boat-skipper-collision-left-him-paralysed

Yes it should be.

Guess Im covered then by AMI??


Cover for your legal liability You are covered for your legal liability to pay for accidental loss or accidental damage to other people’s property or bodily injury caused to anyone else where such damage or injury is caused by your using your boat anywhere within New Zealand, or while afloat on inland or coastal waters of New Zealand and up to 50km offshore, and your liability to pay reparation ordered by a New Zealand Court. 1 Legal liability includes a. You are covered for any accidental loss or accidental damage to other people’s property or bodily injury caused to anyone else where such damage or injury is caused by your using your boat. b. You are covered for any accidental loss or accidental damage to other people’s property or bodily injury caused to anyone else where such damage or injury is caused by your using another boat: i that is not owned by you, or ii that is not under hire purchase to you or is not hired or leased by you. This clause does not cover damage to that boat. c. You are covered for your liability in relation to anyone who is water-skiing or taking part in a similar sport while being towed by your boat. d. You are covered for any accidental loss of or accidental damage to any disabled boat you are towing with your boat as long as you are not towing the boat for any financial gain. e. You are covered for any accidental loss of or accidental damage to the property of any passengers in your boat. f. You are covered for your liability for the cost of the recovery or removal of the wreck if required by any legally authorised person or body. g. Any other person who is using your boat with your permission is covered for their liability for any accidental loss or accidental damage to other people’s property or bodily injury to anyone else where such damage or injury is caused by their using your boat, provided that they are not otherwise insured for their liability.

Basic common sense,alarm "stop" simple. When I first started out with current fizz,alarm came on,slowed alarm stopped.speed up and bow up alarm back,so stopped,2s oil level low,first thought not pumping water.


His insurance might have a out "not keeping watch" neglect? Was daughter allowed to drive vessel at speed,under 15 cannot do more than 10knts?

But my understanding .Skipper was not in reach of controls as down below looking at manual.



Basically, the minimum age for being in charge of a power boat capable of 10 knots or more is 15 years of age. This includes jet skis and dinghies too. Those under 15 can operate the boat if an adult remains within reach of the controls.

Judge: “$130k fine.”

Thomson: “$130k? Fine!”😊

Flicking through an MFD screen while at the helm is one thing, going below and reading a manual is another. If he was doing that at 20knts and paralyised the guy, I'd think a prison term would be more appropriate. Possibly why they haven't asked me to be a Judge and all.

But yeah, how long does it take to cut the revs and sort the problem?