Jet boat accident

"Jet boat accident - Hastings - Eastern"
Emergency services are at the scene of a boating accident on the Ngaruroro
River about 10km west of Hastings. The incident happened just after midday.
A jet boat carrying 5 people has crashed in to some willow trees on the bank
of the river after losing control. The jet boat was with two other jet boats
that were travelling down the river. The other two boats were further
upstream when the crash happened and only discovered it when they went back
down the river to see where they were.
The driver of the boat has been struck by a branch and died instantly. One
of the passengers is in a critical condition and was flown by Rescue
Helicopter to Hawkes Bay Hospital. The remaining three passengers have
minor injuries and will be treated at Hawkes Bay Hospital.
All occupants of the boat were wearing life jackets at the time of the crash.
The deceased is a 51 year old male from New Plymouth area.
The circumstances of the accident will be investigated by Maritime Safety and
Police, while the death will be reported to the Coroner.

Marc Clausen
Senior Sergeant
Central Communications Centre

Not nice at all!

:(

No not nice at all, at least he was doin something he enjoyed (i assume)

Agreed VC out there doing it, but what a tragedy for the family only 51, but there were a few fishermen lost over the past few days as well!:O_O:

What a shame!

Saddened to learn of that. Far to young.

Presumably this is between Maraekakaho and Whana. They take some risks when the river is low or get too close to the trees for an adrenaline rush. Going to raft it next week.

I was there this week. The river is the best ive ever seen it .
It was low and tricky in a lot of places but where the accident happened wasn't so bad , under the bridge on SH50.
All reports so far say he was doing nothing wrong and in the company of some experienced boaters .
Hes had some bad luck and its a sad day indeed, both for the family and the sport.
I hope the passenger gets well soon too .