Jetski Tragedy Highlights Urgent Need for River Safety: Coroner’s Report Released
New Plymouth, New Zealand – A tragic jetski accident on the Waitara River in 2021 has prompted a coroner to issue a stark warning about the dangers of exceeding speed limits near structures. The incident, which resulted in the death of 40-year-old Patricia Elaine Teresa Wilson wirihana Takanini (known as Tira Wilson), underscores the critical importance of adhering to maritime safety regulations.
Coroner Heidi Wrigley released her findings today, recommending the New Plymouth District Council install clearer signage indicating the five-knot speed restriction near the waitara River bridge and other structures. The report details a harrowing sequence of events that led to Ms. Wilson’s fatal injuries.
What Happened on the River?
On November 10,2021,Ms. Wilson was riding on a ski biscuit being towed by a jetski driven by Leevi Toa on the lower Waitara River, near New Plymouth. The jetski was travelling at approximately 20 km/h (11 knots) as it approached the Town Bridge – significantly exceeding the legally mandated five-knot limit within 200 meters of any structure.
As the jetski neared the bridge,another rider on the biscuit fell off. The ski biscuit then rode up over the wake of the jetski, swinging dangerously close to the concrete bridge pillars. Mr. Toa attempted to warn Ms. Wilson to dismount, but it’s believed she did not hear him.
According to the coroner’s report,Mr.Toa maintained a “constant throttle” while under the bridge to maintain control. He then released the throttle in an attempt to make a sharp turn, but it was too late. Ms. Wilson was thrown from the biscuit and struck her head on a bridge pillar.
Despite immediate first aid efforts, including CPR administered by Mr. Toa and arriving ambulance personnel, Ms. Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene.She was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.
Speed Identified as a Key Factor
Coroner Wrigley’s investigation concluded that speed was a significant contributing factor to the severity of Ms.Wilson’s injuries.While Mr. Toa stated he slowed to 20 km/h as a “ritual” when approaching the bridge, believing the wake would keep the biscuit away from the structure, this speed was still four times the legal limit.
“Had Mr Toa been operating the jet ski in accordance with the five-knots rule, Ms Wilson Wirihana takanini is far less likely to have sustained her fatal injuries, due to the lower forces involved,” Wrigley stated in her report.
No Charges Filed, But Calls for Improved Safety
Neither police nor Maritime NZ pursued charges against mr.Toa following the incident. Maritime NZ, after reviewing the case and consulting with the families involved, determined no further action was necessary.
However, the association has pledged to support the New Plymouth District Council in reviewing and replacing boating safety signage along the Waitara River. Michael-Paul Abbott, General Manager of Regulatory Operations at Maritime NZ, confirmed the organization is committed to working with local and national water safety organizations to improve safety measures.
A Tragic Reminder
This case serves as a tragic reminder of the potential consequences of disregarding maritime safety regulations. The coroner’s recommendations highlight the need for clear, visible signage and a renewed emphasis on responsible jetski operation to prevent future tragedies on New Zealand waterways.
Keywords: Jetski accident, Waitara River, New Plymouth, Coroner’s report, Maritime safety, Speed limits, Water safety, New Zealand, Tira Wilson, Bridge accident.
