Saturday, April 19, 2008

TAIC: Kotuku report highlights wider problems in maritime industry

An unseaworthy boat and misjudgements by those responsible for the Kotuku, are being blamed for it sinking in Foveaux Strait, and the loss of six lives. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission report out today says the disaster highlights wider problems in the system of boat inspections. It says the Kotuku's hull was in poor condition, it was unstable, and water couldn't drain properly from the deck after it was hit by two large waves.
Deputy Chief Commissioner Pauline Winter says the boat should not have been allowed to go to sea, and when it capsized there was little chance for the crew. Kotuku's Skipper John Edminston was one of the three who survived - he says he believes the boat was seaworthy.

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