Tourists leap into the sea as excursion boat catches fire

Over 50 international tourists had to leap into choppy seas more than a kilometre offshore when a tour boat burst into flames in a mystery fire off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island on Monday afternoon.

The PeeJay V, operated by White Island Tours of Whakatane, caught fire while returning from a tour of the White Island volcano. 53 tourists and seven crew had to be rescued when the fire broke out on the double-decker vessel.

Media reports have carried varied accounts of the incident, with some describing panic and inadequate life jackets – as a result of flames damaging many of the vessel’s life saving devices.

One passenger, Nina Rogocki, told FairfaxNZ that she was one of the last ones off the boat, stating “it was pretty bad. I was one of the last off the boat and pretty much had flames in my face." 

She praised the efforts of the crew working to make sure everyone was safe. She said the crew would not allow her to jump into the water unaided, without a life jacket, adding "the rescue team have done a fantastic job and we are safe."

Overall, White Island Tours’ evacuation procedures worked as practised. Police, ambulances and fire crews waited ashore, other boats picked people up and the New Zealand Coastguard also carried people to safety.

The fire is believed to have started in the engine room and is now being investigated by the Transport Accident Commission.

While the vessel later sank, White Island Tours has continued to operate using its other vessels.

Owner Peter Tait said business would continue with the remaining two boats until the firm decides whether to replace PeeJay V, which was its main vessel.

White Island Tours runs cruises to explore the inner crater of New Zealand’s most active volcano, White Island.

The firm also operates trips to the island of Moutohora (also known as Whale Island), a sanctuary for birds and reptiles.

Click here to view the White Island Tours website.

Image: One of White Island Tours' boats at White Island.

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