Fatal jet boat accident caused by steering failure

Police and emergency services rushed to the Hawea Flat area after reports of the crash on February 24. Photo / James Allan

A fatal jet boat accident was caused by steering failure after a wire broke and a shackle fell off, according to Maritime New Zealand which has alerted boaties to check their steering systems.

Cameron Moore, 45, died after his jet boat crashed into a steep bank of the Clutha River on February 24.

Moore was racing in day two of the Otago Rivers Jet Boat Race when his boat left the water and skidded roughly 20m up the bank.

Maritime NZ were still investigating the tragic crash but said the two D-shackle pins on the tiller arm lock were wired together, which could cause excessive stress on the locking wire.

Deputy director compliance systems delivery Pelin Fantham said Maritime NZ was asking all jet boats owners to check their steering set-ups as soon as possible.

"If you are unsure about what to look for, talk to the supplier or manufacturer of your jet boat."

Emergency services at the scene of the crash on the Clutha River near Wanaka. Photo / James Allan

Fantham said if a jet boat uses D-shackles and locking wire, owners needed to check that the shackles were individually wire locked.

"Check the condition of the shackles. If there are nicks or tooling damage, consider replacing them."

Jet boats are manufactured by many companies and this potential issue could affect all jet boats that use D-shackles as part of their steering system set up, according to Maritime New Zealand.