Boatie killed in horrific accident named

The man killed in a boating accident near Auckland's Rangitoto Island was Russell Lesley John Brown, 68, a taxi driver from Flat Bush, in Manukau.

Mr Brown died after he became tangled in the drive shaft of the 30-foot long pleasure launch he was skippering when it hit a rock near the Hauraki Gulf landmark early today.

Police said part of his clothing became tangled with the drive shaft after he went to see where the boat was leaking.

Two other men on the boat tried to free Mr Brown without success as the holed launch steadily took on water.

It was not clear if Mr Brown drowned or died from his injuries but when police and coastguard boats arrived he was "firmly wedged" under the drive shaft with his mouth below the water level.

His body could not be freed and the launch was towed back to Auckland, where it was lifted out of the water and the body was recovered.

Pumps were put on to the boat and it was towed back to Westhaven Marina and taken out of the water.

Part of the starboard bow was ripped off.

Maritime New Zealand is investigating and accident investigator Ian Howden said the launch had been inspected but there were other elements of the inquiry yet to be done. He said Maritime New Zealand was working closely with police.

Police maritime sergeant John Saunders said the accident was a tragic reminder of the need to be careful around machinery, especially at sea.

- © Fairfax NZ News