For 800 passengers and 80 crew a journey of seven hours in rough seas and high winds ended at last when the Interislander ferry Kaitaki made it into Wellington late tonight after leaving picton at 2.15pm earlier today.
During the trip the ship’s engines stopped in Cook Strait facing three metre swells and high winds.
An emergency was declared on board and passengers were provided with life vests.
Fortunately the ship managed to regain enough power to limp back to the port in Wellington.
Police say search and rescue crews had been called to Wellington’s south coast as a precautionary measure, and emergency services were waiting as the vessel docked.
Greater Wellington Regional Council chairperson Daran Ponter says it was impressive coordination by Harbour Master – Grant Nalder, pilots, tug boats, ferry crew and emergency service tonight for a serious event that could have had disastrous consequences.
