‘Hard to believe’: QLD cruise skipper drunk on Hard Solo during NYE cruise
A skipper who was three times over the alcohol limit on NYE has claimed he mistakenly drank a number of alcoholic beverages thinking they were soft drink.
A drunk skipper whose vessel ran aground during a New Year’s Eve cruise claimed he accidentally mistook a number of alcoholic beverages for soft drink.
Queenslander Keith Francis Tamati Tarapipipi-Kippenberger was found to be three times over the limit after his cruiser hit a sandbank and became stuck near Main Beach, on the Gold Coast, with 120 people still on board.
Hoards of passengers and crew later had to be rescued and taken ashore by police, putting a damper on New Year’s Eve celebrations.
On Tuesday, Queensland’s Southport Magistrates Court heard water police had received several reports about the boat and the skipper, including suspicions he had been drinking.
Defence lawyer Clancy Robba told the court Mr Tarapipipi-Kippenberger did not realise until later that the “number of soft drinks” he had drunk were actually alcoholic Hard Solos.
Mr Tarapipipi-Kippenberger had recorded a blood alcohol concentration of 0.149.
Hard Solo, an alcoholic version of the popular lemon soft drink Solo, has a 4.5 per cent alcohol concentration, or 1.3 standard drinks per can.
The beverage is set be renamed to ‘Hard Rated’ after it was found to breach official code standards following a series of complaints.
Mr Robba said the skipper was “ashamed and embarrassed” about the incident, which is also being investigated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
“He’s never done anything like this before, he said, as per the Gold Coast Bulletin.
“I’m instructed it’s a small industry – word has spread and his reputation has been severely damaged.”
Mr Robba said the vessel was having engine trouble and became stuck as it was moving into shallower waters.
Magistrate Mark Bamberry said the skipper’s claims about the mix-up were “difficult to believe”.
“It’s not as if you’re on a jetski … you’ve got 120 odd people on board plus your crew, and I’m told you’re drinking Hard Solo and didn’t know the difference,” Mr Bamberry said.
Hard Solo name to be changed
Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) announced in November they will be changing the name of its ready-to-drink alcohol lemon beverage to Hard Rated after an ABAC review panel found it breaches the Code standard in relation to strong or evident appeal to minors.
“As we comply with the ABAC decision and the Hard Solo brand exits the market, we’d like to assure the many Australian adults who have loved Hard Solo that the taste won’t change when the name changes to Hard Rated,” a spokesperson said in a statement at the time.
“Consistent with ABAC rules, CUB will ensure the last Hard Solo can packaging will exit our supply network by no later than 9 February 2024.
“Additionally, Hard Solo tap decals in pubs and clubs will also have transitioned to Hard Rated by that date.”
In court, Mr Tarapipipi-Kippenberger pleaded guilty to one charge of mid-range drink driving and fined $2000
He’s also had his marine licence disqualified for three months.
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