Schoolboy rower recovers after powerboat collision

Ambulance staff assist one of the injured Otago Boys' High students yesterday morning. Photo / Otago Daily Times

A schoolboy who was injured when his rowing team's skiff collided with a powerboat driven by their coach in Otago Harbour yesterday is recovering well.

Three Otago Boys' High School pupils were taken to hospital after the collision yesterday morning, one with serious injuries thought to be caused by the boat's propeller.

He was the only student to remain in hospital today.

The teen was transferred from Dunedin Hospital to Christchurch Hospital, where a spokeswoman said he was in a comfortable condition.

One other boy taken to hospital was discharged last night, while another stayed in overnight for observation before being released this morning.

Veteran rowing coach Fred Strachan, 91, had been driving the aluminum boat, speaking to the rowers through a loudhailer, when the collision happened about 9.35am yesterday.

The skiff had been manned by year 9 rowers returning to shore after practice, and senior rowers went to assist.

Paramedics treated 10 people at the scene, including a 12-year-old with a serious arm injury, one rower with a suspected broken collarbone, and another who was knocked out.

Otago Boys' High School rector Clive Rennie did not return calls for comment today.