Two ferries down, what now for Cook Strait crossings?

Saturday, 22 June 2024

Ferry passengers are back on land after the Interislander ferry Aratere grounded near Picton.

With the Aratere breached and out of action for the foreseeable future, and another ferry, the Kaiarahi, undergoing maintenance, just one other Interislander ferry is sailing.

All sailings through until Saturday appear to be fully booked on the Interislander service.

All future Aratere sailings have been cancelled, with Interislander saying it was unknown when the vessel would be able to work again. The ferry has been breached at Picton since 10pm yesterday, and while a flotation effort will take place on Saturday night, it’s not guaranteed it will be successful and if it is, how long it might continue to be out of action.

Customers who booked for a night ferry crossing for Saturday have been transferred to an early sailing Sunday morning.

Are you affected by cancelled sailings? Email news@thepost.co.nz.

The Interislander ferry Aratere ran aground near Picton.

The Interislander said on its website that all Aratere sailings had been cancelled. KiwiRail would be in touch with affected customers directly.

Freight and passenger customers who were scheduled to sail on the Awatere on Saturday have been transferred to a 10pm or 2.30am sailing of the Kaitaki from Wellington.

Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy said,“If customers cannot use the alternative sailing offered, they can apply for a later sailing. We apologise for the disruption. Our teams are working around the clock to resolve the situation quickly and safely.”

There were fewer than five passenger tickets available for the Kaitaki Wellington departures on Sunday morning, none on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Re-floating the vessel was initially planned for 9am Saturday morning, but has been postponed until 9pm to allow more time to prepare the ship and allow for a higher tide.

The ship was scheduled to have three sailings on Saturday: departing from Picton at 11am, from Wellington at 4.30pm, and then from Picton 10pm.

The Maritime Union said the Kaitake is due to go to Singapore for maintenance in July.