A warrant for arrest has been issued for the man who allegedly charged his boat dangerously and intimidated a solo round-the-world yachtswoman and other vessels on Christmas Day.
The Times reported on January 9 that visiting Dutch sailor Jacqueline Evers had a frightening encounter with the man on December 25 on the waters of usually peaceful Oneroa Bay, Waiheke Island.
At the time, police confirmed “a 63-year-old man is facing four charges of committing a dangerous activity involving ships, one charge of theft, and three charges of intentional damage following an incident where he allegedly rammed a number of boats anchored at Oneroa Bay, Waiheke Island, on Christmas Day”.
Police have now told the Times “a warrant to arrest has been issued over this matter”.
“Sixty-three-year-old Brett Taylor failed to appear in the Auckland District Court on January 30.
“A warrant has been issued for his arrest. Anyone with information on Taylor’s whereabouts, please contact [phone] 105 using the reference number 241226/3594,” say police.
Evers, who was berthed at Half Moon Bay Marina since December, told the Times in early January the incident had left her “shaken” after the alleged dangerous actions of Taylor.
She had sailed single-handed her yacht Loveworkx 16,000 nautical miles over 18 months and the scary incident was the first serious safety issue she’d encountered on her round-the-world journey.
The Times reported on January 9 that a police spokesperson said officers responded to reports of a boat ramming other vessels at Oneroa Bay at around 5.40pm on Christmas Day.
The 63-year-old man involved also reportedly stole a cell phone, police said.
“The police officers later intercepted the man and followed him back to Bayswater Marina where he was arrested.”
Evers said in early January she felt fortunate to have her son Sem onboard on Christmas Day.
He was visiting for a fortnight from The Netherlands while she was getting running repairs made to Loveworkx at Half Moon Bay.
“What should have been peaceful time together became an unexpected test of resilience and teamwork,” Evers said.
“As the man neared our stern, we tried to distract him, but he was fixated on obtaining a phone.
“He circled us repeatedly, aiming mid-ship. I instructed my son to hoist the anchor as I pushed his boat away from ours who was now against our boat.
“His anchor got entangled under our railing, but I managed to free it, pushing his vessel toward the stern.”
Evers said with their small engine running at full throttle on Christmas Day, they struggled to distance themselves from Taylor.
“He pursued us relentlessly, closing the gap. Panicking, I began crying, but my son urged me to stay calm and go inside.
“After realising we couldn’t outmanoeuvre him, I told my son to give him one of his phones.
“My son tossed his work phone, issued by the Dutch Army, onto the man’s boat,” Evers said.
“However, unlocking the phone became a painstaking task. The man grew suspicious as he failed to input the long code correctly.
“Shouting ensued, and his aggression escalated. When he demanded that my son board his boat to assist, I firmly refused.
“We managed to escape as he shifted his focus to another boat,” Evers said.
- For the two full earlier stories about Jacqueline Evers and her round-the world yachting adventure, see:
https://www.times.co.nz/news/crazy-guy-attacks-solo-woman-global-sailor/
https://www.times.co.nz/lifestyle/act-of-love-blesses-open-sea-odyssey/
