KIWIRAIL is currently investigating a steering issue that affected the Interislander ferry, Kaiwrahi, last week, leaving passengers stranded on board for over six hours. The incident occurred during the ferry’s 3.30pm voyage across the Cook Strait to Picton. Due to the steering complications, the vessel had to return to Wellington, where it docked at approximately 10.05pm.
One of the passengers, preferring to remain anonymous, expressed frustration, noting that while he retrieved his luggage at 10.40pm, he was already informed about being rebooked for a Saturday morning sailing, as he had missed a planned event. “We are unsure if we will be refunded,” he commented, reflecting the uncertainty many passengers felt regarding their travel arrangements.
Initially, the atmosphere on board was “fairly calm” until around 8pm when passengers were informed about the return to Wellington. From that point onward, feelings of tension and confusion permeated as passengers sought clarity on their situation. They expressed a desire for more consistent and informative updates, rather than the sparse communications they received.
Once the ship docked, the confusion persisted. Although the terminal staff remained courteous, they lacked the necessary information to alleviate passenger concerns. According to the passenger, the line for inquiries was substantial, illustrating the demand for information and assistance.
Wellington harbourmaster Grant Nalder communicated that, despite the technical difficulties with the steering, the crew maintained full control of the vessel. During standard checks approaching Tory Channel, the crew detected unusual behavior from the steering mechanism. They opted to return to Wellington instead of proceeding through Tory Channel as a precaution.
Duncan Roy, the executive general manager of Interislander, confirmed that technical teams in Wellington are investigating the steering issue. He emphasized that the decision to return to Wellington was made for safety purposes and that all relevant authorities have been informed. The company is committed to rescheduling travel plans for affected passengers and freight customers, highlighting their focus on customer service during this challenging situation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in maritime travel and the complexities that can arise during unforeseen mechanical failures. KIWIRAIL’s prompt response to the issue reflects their dedication to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their passengers.
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