Saturday, February 15, 2025

Skipper cleared in fatal capsize case

Maritime New Zealand says it is yet to decide whether it will appeal today’s court decision in the judge-alone trial of Enchanter vessel skipper, Lance Goodhew, which found in favour of the experienced mariner.

Mr Goodhew’s vessel capsized after being struck by a large wave on 20 March, 2022 off the Northland coast, with five onboard losing their lives in the incident. The vessel was returning from a charter fishing trip at the Three Kings with 10 on board.

Five people survived, after an EPIRB was activated, and they were winched off the boat’s debris by a responding rescue helicopter. The search and rescue effort, coordinated by Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre was significant, and included responders from NZDF, Police, Coastguard, local vessels and Northland and Auckland rescue helicopter trusts.

In May, Mr Goodhew faced a judge-alone trial, after Maritime NZ filed one charge against him under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Not guilty: Enchanter skipper, Lance Goodhew (Photo: Facebook).

General Manager Investigations at Maritime NZ, Pete Dwen says it had been a difficult two years for a huge number of people.

“I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the five victims, and all of their loved ones. As well as the survivors, responders and everyone else impacted by this tragic incident.”

“We want to assure everyone the decision to file a charge against Mr Goodhew, as the skipper, was a considered one, and our investigations and legal teams worked hard to present this case,” Mr Dwen says.

He said it was too soon to say whether the decision will be appealed. 

“We will now take some time to review the Judge’s decision, then consider what the next steps may be.” 

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