In their latest (30 April 2025) episode of the NZSFC Pod and Reel podcast, host Mike Plant from the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council revisits a tragic event that occurred off Gisborne in 2024, when three fishermen lost their lives while targeting bluefin tuna. The episode features an interview with Roger Faber, president of the Gisborne Tatapouri Fishing Club, who provides insight into the lead-up to the accident and the conditions on the day.
Please note there appears to be some confusion surrounding the name of the lost vessel. Elwood Higgins reportedly owned two boats, both named Billy Boy. The boat he was aboard on that tragic day was his 7 to 8 metre West Coaster. Regardless of the vessel’s name, the loss of life is a tragedy. We encourage everyone to listen to the full podcast episode — it offers an important reminder about the realities of offshore boating and the critical need for safety on the water.
Faber begins by describing what had otherwise been an excellent fishing season, especially for yellowfin tuna and bigeye, with several fish over 100kg landed—making it one of the best seasons in his 40-plus years of game fishing. The conversation then shifts to the day of the tragedy. On that Monday, several boats, including his own Caribbean 40, headed out to a known bluefin hotspot about 30 nautical miles south of Gisborne, known as the Southern Dog’s Leg. The forecast had indicated a five-knot northerly with some swell, which seemed manageable at the time.
However, as the boats ventured further offshore, the wind quickly built to over 20 knots, creating treacherous conditions atop the existing 2.5-metre swell. Faber and skipper of the third boat, experienced mariner Carl Bennett, found conditions increasingly uncomfortable. Despite putting lures out, Faber avoided setting outriggers and trolled cautiously.
Around 9 am, they saw a vessel pass across their bow, riding side-on to the swell. At the time, Faber didn’t recognise it and assumed it was another local boat. It later turned out to be a vessel, which we understand was owned by Elwood Higgins, one of three boats out that day. Tragically, this was the boat that would later be in distress. The grim outcome only became clear after everyone had returned to shore. As the weather worsened, Faber and Bennett independently decided to turn back early, acknowledging the sea conditions had deteriorated beyond safe limits.
Listen to the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council’s podcast “Episode 5: The Tragedy off Gisborne: Lessons from a Fatal Bluefin Expedition” https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360073/episodes/17052964?t=0
Learn more about this tragic accident in the Boating New Zealand article, “Three bodies found on Mahia beach, thought to be missing fishermen.”
