Skipper Of A Fishing Vessel Sentenced After A Collision With A 266-Meter Container Vessel

The Skipper of a 20-meter FV Commission fishing vessel was sentenced this week following a collision off the Bay of Plenty in 2021 (July) with a 266-meter container vessel.

Mike Te Pou, the Skipper of the fishing vessel, was reportedly sentenced at the Tauranga District Court. The rules of Maritime Transport also fined him about $1625. This is because he operated a ship in a way that resulted in unnecessary dangers or risks to any other individual or property.

In a statement, Maritime New Zealand reportedly mentioned that while his crew members were setting out long lines for fishing, Te Pou was reportedly manning the wheelhouse. At around 3.15 am, he observed that the 266-meter Kota Lembah was on his radar.

Pete Dwen, the Investigations Manager, associated with Maritime New Zealand, informs that irrespective of observing the ship on the radar, Te Pou went out to help his crew members.

References: 1 News, NZ Herald