The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) of New Zealand concluded that navigation practices of both vessels involved in a recent accident were unsafe, primarily due to inadequate watchkeeping by the skippers. Although both skippers eventually spotted each other, it was too late for either to take evasive action.
The report highlighted that Onepoto, traveling at 20.5 knots, had its skipper distracted by an engine alarm. If the skipper had reduced speed to address the issue, the likelihood of a collision or its severity would have significantly decreased.
James Thompson, in charge of Onepoto, has publicly expressed remorse regarding the incident. Following legal action initiated in early 2024, he pleaded guilty to a charge of operating a vessel dangerously. As a result, the Auckland District Court mandated that Thompson pay NZ$130,000 (approximately US$76,000) in reparations for the accident.
