Rowing stalwart Fred Strachan has been charged over a boating incident which landed three Otago Boys' High School pupils in hospital last year.
Maritime New Zealand confirmed it laid charges against the school's rowing coach, Mr Strachan, and the school's board in connection with the incident on Otago Harbour last October.
Mr Strachan, who was 91 at the time of the crash, lost control of a powerboat which then collided with a rowing eight, landing three pupils in Dunedin Hospital, two of whom suffered serious injuries.
Mr Strachan has been charged with operating a boat in a manner that caused unnecessary danger, while the board was charged with permitting the boat to be operated in a way that caused unnecessary danger.
''The decision to prosecute was taken only after careful consideration of the facts in this case; including the extent of harm, and the importance of raising awareness about the need to operate safely - especially when young people are involved,'' Maritime New Zealand compliance general manager Harry Hawthorn said in a statement.
Given the matter was before the courts it was unable to make any further comment.
Mr Strachan has been involved in rowing for seven decades, and 70 of his rowers have represented New Zealand, including 2012 Olympic gold medallist Hamish Bond.
After the crash he told the Otago Daily Times he was upset by the incident and did not believe his age was a factor.
