A skipper who piloted his launch into the catamaran of a family of six sailing in Queen Charlotte Sound in April last year, knocking some into the water and injuring others, could have avoided the collision if he had been keeping a lookout.
Stuart Leck admitted one charge of operating the motor launch Krystana in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk to those on the trimaran Jewd by not watching where he was going.
Appearing in Blenheim District Court today, Leck was convicted and fined $2500 and ordered to pay reparations of $5000 to the family.
The court was told the skipper of the 6.8-metre trimaran was catapulted into the water when his craft was hit by the 14-metre motorboat travelling at 13-14 knots, and members of the family were injured.
Maritime New Zealand maritime investigations manager Steve van der Splinter said Mr Leck had radar on board -- but had switched it off as he only used it at night or when his visibility was restricted.
"It is vital that skippers always keep a proper lookout and are even more vigilant when in high traffic areas.
"Had Mr Leck been keeping a good lookout he would have been able to see Jewd approaching and taken the appropriate action to avoid a collision," Mr van der Splinter said.
