An Auckland recreational boatie, Grant Reginald McCutcheon, has been ordered to complete 120 hours community service after his boat collided with a Fullers Group ferry on the Waitemata Harbour.
Maritime NZ charged Mr. McCutcheon with acting dangerously by not keeping a proper look-out. Mr McCutcheon pleaded guilty.
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Judge Singh said a fine of $4,300, would have been appropriate. However, Judge Singh then acknowledged Mr McCutcheon is an undischarged bankrupt and would be unable to pay a fine.
Roa, a 15 metre wooden, recreational vessel, departed from Hobsonville marina, on the evening of 16 September 2016, with Mr. McCutcheon and a friend on board. It had its navigation, cockpit, accommodation and engine room lights all on.
Seaflyte departed from Auckland Basin on a scheduled service for Bayswater Marina. Seaflyte is a 22 metre catamaran with a capacity of 208 passengers and crew. At the time it was carrying two passengers and three crew.
As the vessels approached each other Roa had Seaflyte on her starboard side and was obliged to give way. When Roa did not give way Seaflyte was then obliged to take all action necessary to avoid a collision.
The master of Seaflyte did not see Roa until it was 15 metres away, when he put Seaflyte’s engines into full reverse to try to avoid a collision. His efforts were not successful, and the vessels collided off Princess Wharf.
The impact damaged Roa and less so Seaflyte. No one was injured.
After the collision the master of Seaflyte contacted Auckland Harbour Control, reported the incident, and helped Mr. McCutcheon and his passenger.
Maritime NZ prosecuted both skippers. On 4 April 2018 the skipper of Seaflyte pleaded guilty in relation to his role in the incident, and on 16 May 2018 was fined $2,000.
