A Ro-Ro ferry ran aground in Titoko Bay, New Zealand following a reported steering issue on 21 June.
The Aratere was travelling from Picton to Wellington when it ran aground approximately 1.5nm north of Picton in Titoko Bay.
It was successfully refloated at high tide the following evening after investigative works confirmed the grounding pressure of the boat and vessel design using divers and with input from naval architects and technical experts. Oil spill booms had also been put in place to protect against any possible environmental effects. The local council’s environmental science team conduct environmental surveys to assess any impact to the site.
On 22 June, Maritime New Zealand said there was no water ingress (entering the vessel) and no oil going into the marine environment. It added that besides working with KiwiRail and others as part of the response, Maritime NZ will be investigating the cause of the grounding.
KiwiRail’s Interislander ferry service is a road and rail network linking the country’s North and South islands across the Cook Strait.
The Aratere was undertaking a freight only voyage and had eight commercial vehicle drivers and 39 crew on board – with no reported injuries.
In an update released on 2 July, an Interislander service alert stated Aratere sailings remained cancelled, saying: “Thank you very much to all our customers for your patience and cooperation as we work through the current disruption event. Kaiarahi is scheduled for a return to service from its wet dock on 6 July.
“Aratere remains berthed at Waimahara Wharf in Picton. Both Maritime NZ and TAIC have finished investigation work onboard.
“Technicians will be boarding the ship tomorrow to investigate root cause and do assurance work. Information gathered during this assessment work will inform discussions with Maritime NZ around the ferry returning to service.”
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission said: “The Interislander passenger and freight ferry Aratere, was en route from Picton to Wellington on the night of 21 June 2024. At about 2145, shortly after departing Picton Harbour, it reportedly experienced a steering issue, resulting in the vessel grounding near Titoki Bay. There were no reports of structural damage to the vessel or injury to persons onboard.”
