A Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) inquiry into the grounding of the coastal vessel 'Anatoki' two years ago has found a mate’s performance was probably impaired by “acute sleep loss, possibly exacerbated by the consumption of alcohol the evening before”.

The inquiry found the vessel ran aground off Rangihaeata Head in Golden Bay, close to Tarakohe Harbour in the early hours of May 6, 2010. The mate on watch was unaware the 'Anatoki' had grounded for ten minutes and then spent several minutes attempting to refloat the vessel before advising the master of the grounding.

The TAIC stated the grounding occurred because the progress of the 'Anatoki', which was heading from Nelson to Tarakohe, was not being monitored at the time.

Among safety lessons highlighted by the inquiry were: responsible watchkeepers should take the opportunity to have adequate sleep to prevent their becoming fatigued, under no circumstances should crew undertake safety critical tasks when impaired by alcohol, and alcohol consumption can reduce the quality of sleep even hours after consumption stops.

Iain MacIntyre