Cup fans saved after trimaran, launch collide

By PATRICK GOWER

A boatload of America's Cup spectators were thrown from their launch when it and a trimaran twice its size collided amid a chaotic spectator fleet returning to shore after yesterday's racing.

Another launch sank after it was swamped by waves caused by the "washing Machine"-like conditions brought about by choppy seas and the wakes of the 700-odd boats that were out on the Hauraki Gulf.

The collision between the trimaran Triptych and the 10m launch Barossa happened as the spectator craft sailed through the Rangitoto Channel after Team New Zealand's third straight loss to Alinghi.

At least three people were thrown into the sea and others jumped aboard nearby boats when the Barossa tipped on its side after a collision with one of the 20m trimaran's pontoons.

With chilly bins and belongings floating around them, the spectators knocked overboard were pulled from the water by other boats and St John Ambulance marine paramedics as vessels streamed past.

"They were not injured but certainly shocked," said St John officer Carey Dobbs. "Their eyes were very wide open."

Despite initial confusion about the numbers - and safety - of people from the launch, all passengers were accounted for.

The launch was towed to shore with a splintered hole above the waterline.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash. The incident will also be the subject of a Maritime Safety Authority inquiry.

Police were called to the sinking of a launch, believed to be the Palladin, off North Head about the same time.

The 8m launch put out a distress call when it became swamped by water thought to have come from "spectator wash".

Police rescued the passengers but lost the boat as they tried to tow it back to shallow waters at Cheltenham Beach.

The tow line snapped because of the weight of the water taken on board.

Although nobody was injured, a diabetic woman was checked by paramedics after it was learned her medication sank with the boat.

Senior Sergeant Martin Paget, who heads the Police Maritime Unit, urged people to take their time heading back to shore after America's Cup races, which can attract up to 3000 craft.

"There was certainly potential for loss of life," Mr Paget said, "if not by sinking, then by getting run over by the massive fleet coming through.

"These are indicators of how drastically things can go wrong out there if you are not careful."

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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