Pātea River Bar tragedy: Coroner releases findings into deaths of boy and stepmother
A coroner has released findings regarding a tragic boating accident on New Zealand's Pātea River Bar that claimed the lives of a woman and a young boy. The report examines the circumstances of the capsizing and whether the incident could have been prevented.
Why it matters
The report highlights the ongoing dangers of river bar crossings and provides closure for the families involved in the maritime tragedy.
Patricia Wiltshire and Zane Te-Arepa Milham-Maraki died when the boat they were on capsized on the Pātea River Bar. Photo / Bevan Conley
A family fishing trip off the Taranaki coast turned to tragedy in seconds when a boat stood almost upright on a sudden wave and flipped, trapping a young boy and his stepmother underneath.
Shane Milham managed to free himself when the Miss Molly capsized on the Pātea River Bar, but moments later he could hear his partner, Patricia Wiltshire, calling for help from beneath the overturned vessel.
His 6-year-old son, Zane Te-Arepa Milham-Maraki, was also trapped.
Milham reached back into the boat, grabbing what he believed was Wiltshire’s lifejacket, but he could not pull her free. He could not find Zane.
A rescue effort involving Coastguard volunteers, nearby boaties and emergency services followed, but neither survived.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in