Northland skipper Bill Elliott dies after 2023 ferry collision

Monday 25 August 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Mon 25 Aug 2025, 1:09pm

Bill Elliott, the 80-year-old former skipper of the Blue Ferry, has died. He was left paralysed following a high-speed collision with a power boat more than two years ago. The accident resulted in the sinking of the Waitere and several injuries to those on board.

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1. 1News via RNZMon 25 Aug 2025, 12:19pm

   'Genuine Kiwi bloke' paralysed in Russell boating accident dies (opens in new tab)

2. StuffMon 25 Aug 2025, 12:53pm

   ‘Barefoot’ Bill Elliott, skipper of Russell’s Blue Ferry, dies aged 80 (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldMon 25 Aug 2025, 1:09pm

   ‘Genuine Kiwi bloke’ Barefoot Bill, paralysed in boating accident, dies (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)