Investigators trying to find out what happened when a boat and ferry collided in the Bay of Islands last week are appealing for witnesses with information or video to come forward.
The crash, just before midday on Thursday, critically injured ferry skipper Bill Elliott.
The 77-year-old is now in a stable condition at Auckland’s Middlemore Hospital, a spokesperson said.
Elliott’s ferry – the Waitere, also known as Russell’s Blue Ferry – was badly damaged and sank, while a launch is also being investigated.
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He had never been in a crash in the 40-plus years he had been a skipper, his wife Lois Elliott said.
The incident is being investigated by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, along with police and Maritime NZ.
Elliot Bexon/Supplied
The Waitere, also known as The Blue Ferry, was badly damaged in the collision and sank two hours later.
Eyewitnesses said a motorboat travelling “full throttle” hit the side of the ferry close to the front, where the skipper was.
Three Transport Accident Investigation Commission investigators travelled up to the Bay of Islands, and one remained there to conduct interviews and gather evidence, senior communications advisor Simon Pleasants said.
The passenger ferry had been salvaged, and both boats were in the commission’s possession, he said.
Witnesses had also been cooperating and investigators had conducted numerous interviews.
However, Pleasants said the “fact-gathering” stage of the inquiry continued.
The commission was still keen to hear from members of the public who were able to provide any relevant photos, videos and CCTV video, he said.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission can be contacted by email at info@taic.org.nz.
