Maritime New Zealand informed that the Marlborough District Council’s prosecuted two intoxicated boaties, after the 13-metre launch ‘Carpe Diem’ ran aground on Mabel Island near Picton, on 4 April 2017. The two men, both of Christchurch, were fined a total of $5,625 and ordered to pay more than $1,000 costs by the Court on 1st of May.
The District Council charged the two men under the Maritime Transport Act, which prohibits “dangerous activity involving ships or maritime products”.
As explained, the ship came off the rocks and drifted out of control. The Marlborough Harbourmaster and Police responded to the drifting launch and found two people onboard, both intoxicated.
The skipper, Mr Martin David Peckham, had permitted his friend, Mr. Craig Anthony Burrell, to operate the vessel and it was Mr Burrell who had run the launch aground and lost control of it, according to Maritime NZ’s statement.
Maritime NZ Director, Keith Manch, said:
A launch drifting out of control in Picton harbour is a recipe for disaster. It is at risk of colliding with other vessels in the harbour and it also puts those other vessels at risk if they have to take sudden action to avoid a collision….The case sends an important message. You know not to drink and drive, it’s the same on a boat. You put yourself and others at risk.