On 10 September 2022, the 10.5-metre aluminium charter vessel i-Catcher capsized off Kaikōura in calm, clear weather. Eleven people were on board; five died. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has come out this week with its final report on the tragedy. The root cause was whale strike, the boat capsized, some of the passengers ended up outside the upturned hull and lived, others were under the hull in an air-pocket and conditions clustered to cost them their lives. Learning need to be made, we review below.
The findings are sobering — and not just for commercial operators. The causes and contributing factors in the i-Catcher capsize have implications for all boaties. Whether you run a fishing charter, a private launch, or a trailer boat for weekend trips, the lessons apply. Most of them relate to preparation, equipment familiarity, and basic safety practices.
This wasn’t a black swan event. It was preventable. Here’s what you should be thinking about before your next trip.
Know what’s under the deck
The i-Catcher had fuel system modifications that weren’t properly installed or inspected. These included a vent hose with a split, another missing a clamp, and fuel that leaked into the hull air pocket when the boat rolled. The result was a toxic environment with little oxygen, making survival for those trapped inside extremely difficult.
It’s a reminder to take what’s hidden seriously. If your boat has ageing components — particularly in the fuel system — it’s worth inspecting them closely. A worn hose or loose fitting might not be obvious from the helm, but in the wrong conditions, it could prove fatal. Make it part of your routine maintenance checks and, if in doubt, bring in a qualified technician.
Lifejackets are essential but you need to know how to use them
All five people who died in the capsize were wearing automatically inflated lifejackets. Tragically, that’s part of what prevented them from escaping. The inflated jackets made it hard to dive underwater and exit through submerged openings.
This is a difficult message to deliver, because wearing lifejackets is critical — and in most situations, lifesaving. But this case highlights the importance of not just wearing them, but knowing how they function. Could you deflate your jacket in a pinch? Do your friends and family who boat with you know how? Can it be removed quickly if needed?
Before leaving the dock, take a moment to explain the type of lifejackets on board, how they inflate (automatic or manual), and how to deflate or remove them in an emergency. A quick conversation could save a life.
Redundancy in communications is not optional
When i-Catcher flipped, its main EPIRB was inaccessible. The skipper had to use a passenger’s mobile phone (which luckily still worked after being in the water) to place an emergency 111 call to alert police to the accident. There were no backups, no float-free options, and no personal locator beacons in use.
This is an area where recreational boaties often cut corners. If your primary VHF or mobile phone is submerged, do you have another way to call for help? Carrying a second waterproof comms device, like a handheld VHF or a PLB clipped to your lifejacket, gives you another shot at getting a distress call out when things go wrong.
Float-free EPIRBs are especially effective. They’re not just for big boats — and they now meet mandatory carriage rules for many operators. But whether you’re required to carry one or not, it’s smart practice.
Don’t skip the safety briefing
Everyone on i-Catcher had been given a safety briefing. But once the boat capsized, panic set in and recollections became hazy. It shows how, under pressure, people default to instinct — not memory.
If you’re out with regular crew, you probably assume everyone knows the drill. But if you’ve got new passengers or less experienced mates on board, even a short rundown can help. Point out where the lifejackets are, how to use the radio, where the fire extinguisher is, and what to do if the skipper is incapacitated.
It doesn’t need to be formal, but it should be clear. On a family trip, it might be a two-minute conversation before casting off. For others, it might mean showing how to open a lifejacket container or switch the VHF to channel 16. A small briefing builds confidence and calm.
Maintenance can’t be an afterthought
The TAIC report reinforces what many already know — small maintenance lapses can lead to major consequences. In i-Catcher’s case, the fuel system wasn’t just old; it had been altered without proper oversight. That contributed to the fire risk and toxic atmosphere inside the vessel.
If you haven’t done a full check of your systems recently, now’s the time. Check fuel lines, battery enclosures, bilge pump operation, and fire suppression equipment. Make sure the fire extinguisher is serviceable and stowed within reach. And remember the basic fuel rule: one-third to get there, one-third to get back, and one-third in reserve.
This applies whether you’re heading out for a day’s fishing or a long coastal passage. Boats aren’t forgiving when it comes to neglect.
Build confidence with a course
A final note for boaties who want to build confidence, brush up on skills, or prepare for more demanding trips: Coastguard New Zealand offers a range of courses for every level — from total beginners to experienced recreational skippers.
For those just starting out, short, practical courses like Beginning Boating and Suddenly in Charge are a great introduction to safe boating. The Day Skipper course is a popular option for anyone regularly at the helm, while the Maritime VHF Operator’s Certificate is a must if you want to communicate legally and clearly on the water.
Looking to go further? Courses like Boatmaster, Radar Operator, and Coastal Medic take things to the next level. There’s even training for engine maintenance, GPS use, and bar crossings. It’s an excellent way to prepare for real-world situations — especially the kind no one likes to imagine.
The point is, you don’t have to learn everything the hard way. These courses are designed by people who know what can go wrong — and how to stay ahead of it.
Takeaways
The i-Catcher tragedy was deeply felt in the boating community, particularly around Kaikōura. It serves as a sharp reminder that calm weather and a steady routine can still end in disaster if key systems fail, safety gear isn’t fully understood, or escape routes are compromised.
Boating is a joy, but it’s also a responsibility — to your passengers, your crew, and yourself. The best way to honour those who lost their lives is to take safety seriously, every time you head out.
Small changes — a better briefing, a second radio, a quick check of a hose, or even a weekend course — could be what keeps your trip from becoming a headline.
