Two Christchurch men have been fined almost $6000 for running a boat aground near Picton.
Photo: Supplied
Craig Anthony Burrell and Martin David Peckham have been fined $5,625 in the Blenheim District Court and ordered to pay costs of more than $1000.
The pair were intoxicated on a 13m luxury launch that ran aground on Mabel Island near Picton in April last year.
The vessel then drifted out of control, putting other boats at risk.
Marlborough harbourmaster Luke Grogan said the men radioed for help, and were found to be intoxicated with empty bottles littering the boat.
Drunk skippers of boats were as bad as drunk drivers on the road and he hoped the convictions would send a message to other boat users, he said.
"We don't accept it on the road and we shouldn't tolerate it on the waterways."
It was a particularly bad case that created a significant risk, he said.
"We had a boat that was drifting and out of control in Picton Harbour, which is part of the national transportation route, where there are thousands of passengers and a huge amount of freight every day.
"So obviously an out of control vessel in that area is a major concern, along with the issue of excessive alcohol consumption by the skipper and the other person on board the vessel," Mr Grogan said.
While people wanted to enjoy their time on the water, it was important that skippers remained responsible all the time, he said.
Maritime New Zealand also welcomed the prosecution, which it said should send an important message to others.
Director Keith Manch said the authority worked with harbourmasters and supported them taking court action when it was required.
