10 Mar 2020

Jetboat operator charged over accident

12:31 pm on 10 March 2020

The operator of a jetboat that crashed in Otago's remote Skippers Canyon has been charged over the incident.

Brenda and Doug Weening are counting their blessings after a "traumatic'' jet-boat accident in the Skippers Canyon on Saturday.

Brenda Weening suffered a broken leg in the incident. Photo: Otago Daily Times / Gregor Richardson

Discovery Two, operated by Skippers Canyon Jet, crashed into a rockface on the Shotover River in February last year - throwing one person partly overboard, breaking her leg, and injuring eight others.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission found the crash was caused by a mechanical failure.

Maritime New Zealand said charges have been filed under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The matter will next be called in court later this month.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs