The death of 51-year-old Tēvita Moeakiola is a serious reminder of the need to wear a lifejacket, carry waterproof communication devices, and be well-prepared before heading out on the water.
Mr Moeakiola, a fisherman from Manurewa, drowned after his boat capsized near Musick Point in June 2022. The Coroner found he was not wearing a lifejacket and had no waterproof means of communication.
Mr Moeakiola and two companions had launched from Half Moon Bay Marina for a planned fishing trip near Motuihe Island. While there were lifejackets on board, a Facebook Live video posted earlier that day showed none of the men wearing them.
As the trio returned, the boat took on water and capsized in rough seas. Two men made it to shore – Mr Moeakiola did not survive. His body was recovered the following day.
The Coroner determined the cause of death was drowning, with hypothermia likely a contributing factor. The report highlighted several missed safety steps – including the absence of lifejackets being worn and a lack of waterproof communication equipment – that could have altered the outcome.
“Too many of our men – often experienced, capable, confident – are still heading out not wearing lifejackets. We are not invincible. The water is not to be underestimated, and the conditions can take hold fast. Mr Moeakiola was a father, a husband, out fishing for kai with friends. But, he didn’t make it home” says Rob Hewitt, Water Safety New Zealand spokesperson and ex-Navy diver who miraculously survived 75 hours adrift at sea himself. “Wearing a lifejacket is the simplest and most effective way to reduce drowning fatalities in New Zealand – it’s time to get real about that”.
Water Safety New Zealand data shows that over the last 10 years, more than 76% of boating related drowning victims were not wearing life jackets and the majority were adult men fishing from small craft.
New Zealand’s Boating Safety Code urges all boaties to:
- Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket.
- Take two waterproof ways to call for help
- Check the marine weather forecast
- Avoid alcohol when boating
- Be a responsible skipper.
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana says early communication and preparation are critical – and agrees – wearing a lifejacket remains the single most important factor in survival.
“Our thoughts are with Mr Moeakiola’s whānau and friends, sadly, this is one of many tragedies where loved ones haven’t made it home from what should have been a fun day on the water,” says Coastguard Tautiaki Moana CEO Carl McOnie “It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly things can change. Wearing a lifejacket is the single most important thing you can do to make it home safely – it gives you flotation, warmth, and time when you need it most.”
Boaties are encouraged to share their plans before heading out – either by telling a person on shore when and where they’re going, or by logging a Trip Report with Coastguard. “This is easily done by calling *500 on a mobile phone, through our Coastguard App or using a VHF radio. We encourage all New Zealanders to do this this summer before heading out.”
As summer approaches, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and Water Safety New Zealand are calling on all recreational fishers and boaties to take extra care before heading out.
“Every one of these tragedies has a ripple effect through families and communities,” says Rob. “The lessons are simple – wear your lifejacket, take working waterproof communication, and make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back.”
Under the Auckland Navigational Bylaw 2021, lifejacket use on vessels under 6 metres is compulsory – unless the skipper gives permission not to wear one. A working group including Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and Water Safety New Zealand presented to Auckland Council’s Safety Regulatory Committee last month with a united call for change to that current bylaw.
Says Rob, “The bylaw assumes skippers have a realistic view of their own boating competency and can make sound safety decisions for themselves and their passengers. The data, and this report, tells a different story.”
Notes: A Trip Report is a record of boaties’ trip details and used to assist search and rescue only if the person is reported overdue. Trip Reports are not actively monitored (unless it’s a bar crossing trip report). Coastguard can receive thousands in a single day over summer, so it’s vital that someone on shore knows the plans of those heading out and can raise the alarm if they don’t return as expected.
Sent on behalf of Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and Water Safety New Zealand by These Guys I Know.