An Alexandra farmer whose first-ever descent of the Nevis Bluff rapids in a jet-boat a year ago spawned a viral internet video, has been slapped with a $1500 fine. O’Sullivan was prosecuted by the Queenstown Lakes District Council for breaching its Navigation Safety Bylaw 2018, which prohibits powered vessels from a section of the river that includes the rapids. A dramatic five-minute YouTube video of O’Sullivan negotiating the rapids has had about 50,000 views. First contacted by the council about the incident in February, he admitted his actions in a formal interview in April. The bylaw was well understood by most boaties and there was no excuse for taking risks and putting others in danger.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 06, 2022 00:05 UTC