Help sought to identify skippers - Manu Bay

Waikato Regional Council is working to identify the skipper of a vessel which is alleged to have sped through a line-up of surfers at Manu Bay in Whāingaroa Raglan on New Year's Day.

The council’s Maritime Services team is urging any members of the public who either witnessed the incident or know who the skipper is, to call them on 0800 800 401.

Waikato Regional Harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck had reviewed surf cam footage of the incident. “Unfortunately, it’s not the first such incident like this that we have become aware of over the festive season.

“We are also looking into an incident which involved a jet ski making its way through the surfers in the same location the day before.

“In both instances a tragedy could so easily have occurred and it’s sheer good luck that nobody was injured. We want boaties and jetskiers to have fun on the water, but it must be done with the safety of others in and on the water in mind,” said Mr Bredenbeck.

“The rules are clear and it’s the skipper’s responsibility to ensure they know and comply with them on the water.”