May 03, 2013
Rakiura Māori learn from the Easy Rider tragedy
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission says Rakiura Māori have heeded the lessons of the sinking of two vessels involved in the annual muttonbird harvest.
The commission found both the Easy Rider and Kotuku tragedies involved boat operators not meeting standards and rules.
Six people died when the fishing boat Kotuku was swamped in 2006 while transporting returning mutton birders and their stores.
In March 2013 eight people died when the Easy Rider sunk on its way to the Titi Islands.
The commission found skipper Rewai Karetai was inexperienced and made bad judgments, fishing equipment, stores and luggage were badly stowed and there were not enough life jackets.
But it says inspections in the port after the incident found that other boats involved in mutton birding were aware of what they needed to do to stay safe in the hazardous waters.
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