Whakatāne’s Cascade Charters ordered to pay fine and reparation, after passengers thrown overboard on fishing charter

Open Justice reporter - Tauranga·NZ Herald·9 Aug, 2026 12:34 AM8 mins to read‌The Bandit, operated by Cascade Charters, was hit by a wave during a crossing of the Whakatāne River bar in 2021, causing it to pitch and throw passengers overboard. This photo was taken on an unrelated trip. Photo / FacebookA 79-year-old man who was knocked unconscious after being flung from a fishing charter vessel believes he would have died if it weren’t for another passenger.The Bandit was hit by a large wave while crossing the Whakatāne River bar, knocking several passengers into the water. After seeing the