The jet boat river racing community is mourning the loss of one of their family following Sunday's fatal crash on the Clutha River.
Christchurch man Cameron Moore died when the boat he was driving careered up a steep bank during a race. It's the second fatal crash during a jet boat race in 18 months.
"It's a tough time; we are very close-knit community and we'll just rally together and do what we can do," says NZ Jet Boat River Racing Association president John Derry.
Mr Moore was killed when the boat he was driving hit a steep bank on the Clutha River on Sunday afternoon, during the Otago Rivers Jet Boat Race.
The 45-year-old had been successfully competing in the sport for a decade, including the World Jet Boat Marathon last year.
"He's been overseas and done very well - a keen racer," Mr Derry says.
"He's always got the kids tagging along with him as well, so it's a real shame that he won't be around to be with us any longer."
Mr Moore's navigator Adam Wilton is still in Christchurch Hospital after suffering concussion and broken fingers.
His death is the second fatality during a jet boat race in less than 18 months. Duayne Insley was killed when he struck a log during a race on the Waimakriri River in October 2017.
Maritime New Zealand, Police and the Jet Boat Association are all conducting their own investigations into yesterday's crash.
"We will do everything we can to make the sport safer," Mr Derry says.
"If we can learn from this - which I am sure we can - that's exactly what we will be doing."
For now though the small tight jet boat racing community is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Newshub.
