Maritime New Zealand will investigate the Lake Taupō jetski incident that led to the death of Vincent Cornell, a spokesperson for the Crown entity has confirmed.

“In the interim we are supporting the police who are leading the initial response,” the spokesperson said.

The news comes as Coastguard New Zealand and the Lake Taupō harbourmaster issue safety reminders to water users.

Cornell was the jetskier who went missing at Acacia Bay while saving his brother’s life on January 19. Police divers recovered his body the next day.

A police spokesperson said at the time that Cornell’s death had been referred to the coroner.

A Maritime NZ spokesperson told the Herald the Crown entity would investigate the incident that led to Cornell’s death but police were leading the initial response.

Vincent "Vinnie" Cornell died on Sunday, January 19, 2025 as a result of a jetski incident at Acacia Bay. Photo / LinkedIn

“[We] will provide [police] with any assistance and maritime expertise they might need.”

Maritime NZ is a Crown entity that maintains the national safety, security and environmental protection regulations that govern the operation of vessels, ports and offshore installations in New Zealand waters. The entity is also responsible for providing maritime safety infrastructure and incident response.

According to a Givealittle page set up by Cornell’s sister Sani Leota, Cornell’s last act was to give his life for his brother.

“[It was] a selfless and heroic act that speaks volumes about the man he was,” Leota said.

Leota said Cornell’s loss was “a massive shock”.

“Vinnie was an amazing and loving husband and father, who poured his heart and soul into his family.

“He was the pillar of strength and joy in their lives.”

Lake Taupō harbourmaster Jamie Grant said, “the recent tragic event involving a personal watercraft commonly known as a jetski” highlighted the importance of following maritime rules and navigational safety bylaws.

“These rules are not in place to spoil people’s enjoyment on the water,” Grant said.

“They have been developed over many years to keep people safe. Operators of any craft should have some knowledge of these requirements to ensure their own safety and that of others while on the water.”

Maritime New Zealand will investigate the Lake Taupō jet ski incident that led to the death of Vincent Cornell, a spokesperson for the Crown entity has confirmed.

Coastguard New Zealand Taupō unit president Mike Hughes said Lake Taupō could be “unforgiving”.

“If anything does happen on the water, it happens real quick and it will catch you unawares,” Hughes said.

“Don’t take shortcuts on any safety measures.”

Hughes said it was important for all lake users to understand their limits, wear life jackets, check the weather and be watchful.

“Whether you’re boating, swimming, or paddling know your limit and stay within your comfort zone.”

Life jackets, Hughes said, needed to be worn always on any form of watercraft.

“No matter how confident you think you are, our lake has very little buoyancy. That life jacket will give us time to save your life.”

Hughes said the lake’s waves also behaved differently from the sea and could change very quickly depending on the weather.

“Watchfulness is key,” Hughes said.

“Drowning is a silent thing. It’s not loud. A lot of our rescues have been because someone has been watchful.”

When there was an emergency, Hughes said the best thing to do was to dial 111.

“They have the ability to know where you are through that call. Describe what you are seeing. They will activate Coastguard and anyone else appropriate.”

If possible, Hughes said, throw something floatable to the person.

“If you’re in the water, stay calm and just raise your arm, call out for help if you can and just wait. If you’ve got that life jacket on that will give you time.”

Rules for personal watercraft on Lake Taupō include:

· Lifejackets: Every person on board a personal watercraft or being towed must wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.

· Communication: Every skipper must carry at least one form of waterproof communication. For personal watercraft, it is advised that your communication device is on your person, not stored on the vessel, in case you are separated.

· Speed Limits: Do not exceed a speed of more than 5 knots (9km/h) within 200 metres of the shore or structures, and within 50 metres of other vessels or persons in the water.

· Minimum Age: Operators of a powered vessel capable of exceeding 10 knots must be at least 15 years of age unless under the direct supervision of a person over 15 years who is within immediate reach of the controls.

· Wake: Ensure that the wake from your vessel does not cause unnecessary danger or risk of damage to other vessels, persons, or structures.

· Registration: Every personal watercraft used in or on the waters of the lake must be registered by a regional council.

Source: Lake Taupō Harbourmaster and Lake Taupō Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017