An inquest into sailor Sam Richmond’s death aboard the superyacht Farfalla has raised urgent calls for improved yacht safety standards. Richmond suffered a fatal head injury due to a pad eye failure linked to fatigue cracking. His widow highlighted his passion for sailing, emphasizing the need for rigorous safety measures.
FFW president and senatorial candidate Sonny Matula criticized the Senate for failing to protect seafarers’ rights in the Magna Carta legislation. He condemned Section 59 as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge it in the Supreme Court. Matula urged labor groups to support legal action to ensure fair treatment for seafarers.
A recent report from the European Court of Auditors (ECA) reveals the failure of EU countries to enforce regulations aimed at preventing sea pollution. Despite available funds, misuse and lack of tracking hinder progress. Marine pollution remains a significant issue in European waters, jeopardizing the EU’s goal of eliminating seawater pollution by 2030.
The RoRo ferry Aratere encountered steering failure and ran aground while departing Picton, causing a setback for the InterIslander service. Despite no immediate danger, concerns arose due to its crucial role in transporting rail cars. KiwiRail’s troubled history with the vessel raises questions about fleet maintenance and the need for new ferries to replace the aging ones.
New Zealand regulators have filed charges against the operator of a large inter-island ferry after a power failure. The charges came after an investigation and a critical report from the country’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission. The incident occurred in January 2023 as the ferry was approaching Wellington with 800 passengers and 80 crew aboard.
