Taranaki Police have today arrested and charged a 58-year-old Waitara man with manslaughter following a boating death on 30 July 2015.
Mr Erka Xu drowned when the 4-metre inflatable boat he was a passenger in capsized while crossing the Waitara river bar on return from a short fishing trip.
Police allege the skipper did not take all reasonable safety precautions required by law for a person in his position, and remind all skippers of the need to keep themselves and others safe on the water.
Police thank those in the Waitara community who assisted on the day of Mr Xu’s drowning and during the subsequent Police investigation.
Police also acknowledge the excellent support received from Maritime New Zealand during this investigation.
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Media note: Police is unable to comment further while the matter is now before the court.
Issued by PNHQ Public Affairs.