Spectators at a Powerboat Club’s annual regatta got way more action than they signed up for over the weekend when a high-speed hydroplane lost control.
The chaos unfolded during the Grand National Hydroplane race at Lake Rotoiti, south of Nelson, after the boat reportedly lost its rudder, leaving its driver with no way to steer.
In a video shared on TikTok, the boat launched out of the water, shooting through the crowd, before it finally came to a stop in the trees on the lake’s edge.
A woman can be heard repeatedly shouting, "Oh sh**!" in the background as everyone rushed to get out of the way.
The boat was cordoned off among the trees before getting lifted by a crane to prevent further danger.
As for the driver, they were reportedly assessed and cleared, and luckily, no injuries were reported from the crowd following the incident.
New Zealand Power Boat Association president Chris de Feu told Stuff it was a rare accident.
“We’ve been racing for 102 years - this has never happened before,” he said, adding that all attendees are made aware of the risks.
“We’re talking about machinery doing fast speeds. Like at the speedway where wheels come off and go into the crowd: you’re entering at your own risk.”
The incident has been reported to Maritime NZ.
It’s sure to be a regatta moment the spectators won’t forget anytime soon.
