Auckland jetski explosion injures two and sinks in Motuihe Channel, police warn owners to check for hidden issues

Police are urging jetski owners to check their watercraft for hidden issues, after an explosion near Emu Point. Photo / 123rf

Police are warning jetski owners to check for hidden issues after a reported explosion sank one of the ride-on vessels and injured two people in Waitematā Harbour.

The injured pair were pulled from the water near Emu Point yesterday about 2pm.

“A vessel in the Motuihe Channel reported seeing the explosion, with smoke and flames seen in the area,” police said in a statement.

Police Maritime Unit Senior Constable Nick Hall confirmed the two people were taken to hospital by ambulance, but have since returned home and are recovering.

Hall urged jetski owners to check for hidden faults.

“Early indications are that the jetski reportedly exploded due to the fuel vapour line catching fire, splitting the craft and causing it to sink,” he said.

The explosion happened despite the 20-year-old jetski reportedly being serviced every year.

“Please check all fuel lines and fuel fittings as these items perish with age, and we encourage owners to replace such items periodically,” Hall said.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident.