Auckland ferry in apparent trouble just training - SeaLink

A car ferry is reportedly stuck and spinning around uncontrollably.

A training exercise for ferry skippers in the Waitematā Harbour caught the eye of concerned onlookers this afternoon, unaware that what appeared as uncontrollable spinning was intentional.

Multiple witnesses told the Herald a SeaLink car ferry appeared in trouble near the Tamaki River mouth about 3pm.

A spokeswoman for SeaLink, Teresa Smyth, allayed any fears by explaining “The boys were just out training”.

She said the boat, Sea Quest, had amazing manoeuvrability but required quite a bit of training.

Both witnesses said the ferry was moving erratically, at times going backwards.

“It’s now going around in circles. It’s spinning again,” one witness said.

“There’s lots of wash and whatever else. Action with the propellers is happening but it’s not going anywhere.

“I haven’t seen this before.”