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Tribute was paid to a woman who died after falling overboard from a charter boat in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbor.
Danielle Tamarua’s employer, LittleWolf Catering, described her as a “beautiful, kind, and much loved member of our team.”
The 25-year-old chef died of serious injuries after falling overboard from a Zefiro Charters ship Thursday night.
A police spokesman confirmed Friday that another guest had jumped into the water to try to save her and was not injured.
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* Death on a charter boat in Auckland: the second person jumped in to try to save a 25-year-old woman
* Woman killed after falling overboard from Auckland charter boat
In a statement, Marcel Leydesdorff, general manager of Littlewolf Catering, said that “they are sad beyond words.”
“It is with great regret that we confirm that the staff of Shallot Hospitality, which operates as LittleWolf Catering, were the guests involved in Thursday’s tragic events at the port of Waitematā.
“Danielle Tamarua was a beautiful, kind and well loved member of our team. We are saddened beyond words and express our deepest condolences to Danielle’s family and friends. “
David White / Stuff
Police and Maritime NZ personnel at Auckland’s Viaduct Basin on Friday morning.
Leydesdorff also expressed gratitude to the emergency services that came to help, including a paramedic, first responders, ferry crews, police, and the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.
“We also thank everyone who has communicated with messages of support.”
In a 2014 advertisement from the New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA), which provide hospitality education, Tamarua declares her ambition to become a chocolatier.
At the time, he was working for the university’s Café Fusion.
“You feel great at the end of the day. You’re tired and sweaty, and you’re not the prettiest, but you had fun and produced really great food, ”she said in the video.
“We get a lot of positive feedback and it makes us want to do more, do it even better, and do it well for everyone.”
The owners of the charter boat, Lawrence Knight and Ben Mostert, said their hearts went out to the family and friends of the deceased.
“We are shocked and devastated by the events that unfolded yesterday afternoon,” they said in a statement on Friday.
“We are currently working with the police and Maritime New Zealand, who have our full cooperation and will conduct our own independent investigation to determine what happened.”
The company’s website stated that Zefiro “was no longer accepting charter flights.”
Chris Mckeen / Stuff
A security guard remains on the dock with Zefiro on Saturday morning.
Police and Maritime NZ are still working to understand the circumstances of Tamarua’s death, police said in a statement Saturday.
“The police continue to investigate on behalf of the coroner. An examination of the scene is underway and specialist task forces are assisting with this. “
“The police express their condolences to Ms. Tamarua’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
On Friday morning, a small group of police officers, Maritime NZ and security personnel could be seen at Auckland’s Viaduct Basin, where Zefiro was docked.
They appeared to be focused on the front of the boat and its upper deck, where they could be seen opening up the seating area and taking photos.
David White / Stuff
There were about 30 people on board Zefiro at the time of the incident.
It was too early to comment on the possibility or likelihood of charges being filed, police said Friday.
A sign on the 60-foot boat says it can be booked for occasions like barbecue cruises, fishing trips, corporate events, and meetings.
The full-day rate for the charter was $ 4,700, according to the New Zealand Charter Guide. It is fully licensed and guests can also bring their own alcohol.
The boat, which has a top speed of 30 knots, had left the viaduct in the afternoon with about 30 passengers, police said.
