What was supposed to be a dream fishing trip turned into a harrowing ordeal for two friends, leaving them with injuries, trauma, and a cautionary tale for others. But here's where it gets controversial: could this nightmare have been avoided with better safety measures and clearer communication?
In January 2022, Patsy Deverall and Selah Weingott, then 70 and 69, embarked on a fishing charter with South Taranaki Fishing Charters, eager to enjoy a day on the water after months of COVID-19 restrictions. Little did they know, their adventure would take a terrifying turn as they crossed the notorious Pātea bar. The force of the waves hurled them into the air, causing them to crash onto the deck and sustain severe injuries. Weingott suffered a broken nose and a fractured shoulder requiring reconstructive surgery, while Deverall injured her back, leaving her with lingering pain.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite the company’s conviction for failing to ensure passenger safety under the Health and Safety at Work Act, the incident raises broader questions about accountability and preparedness in the charter industry. The Whanganui District Court fined the company $10,000, ordered $26,000 in court costs, and awarded reparations of $17,000 and $13,000 to the women. Yet, the emotional and physical toll on Deverall and Weingott remains immeasurable.
Peter Robins, the charter owner, expressed deep regret, acknowledging the incident should never have occurred. He emphasized that the company has since implemented changes to improve safety. However, the women’s experience highlights critical gaps in how charter operators assess passenger suitability and communicate risks. Deverall admitted they were naive about the dangers of the Pātea bar and received only a cursory safety briefing. Is it fair to place the burden of awareness entirely on passengers, or should operators take a more proactive role in ensuring safety?
Maritime New Zealand’s Pete Dwen stressed that operators must provide tailored safety briefings, assess passenger suitability, and clearly explain the physical demands of bar crossings. He noted that in this case, the women were not adequately informed or prepared. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Should charter companies be required to conduct more rigorous health and safety assessments before allowing passengers on board?
Weingott’s ordeal is particularly heart-wrenching. She described being thrown around like a rag doll, her arm and shoulder battered, and her nose bloodied. Despite her injuries, the trip continued, leaving her in shock and disbelief. Her shoulder, fractured in multiple places, required surgery, and she now lives with a weakened arm and chronic pain. How could the skipper justify continuing the trip after such a traumatic incident?
Both women hope their story will serve as a wake-up call for charter operators and prospective passengers. They urge operators to thoroughly brief passengers, assess their physical capabilities, and prioritize safety over profit. But is the industry doing enough to prevent similar incidents?
Robins admitted that the company’s expectations of the women’s capabilities did not align with reality. He outlined key lessons learned, including providing detailed pre-trip information, assessing passenger health and experience, and conducting comprehensive safety briefings. Yet, this incident was not an isolated one—South Taranaki Fishing Charters had three prior incidents involving injuries at the Pātea bar. Does this pattern suggest systemic issues within the company or the industry at large?
As Weingott grapples with her injuries and Deverall copes with ongoing pain, their story leaves us with a critical question: How can we ensure that adventure seekers are not left to navigate dangerous waters unprepared? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think charter companies are doing enough to protect their passengers, or is more regulation needed?
