The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the loss of power experienced by the Interislander ferry yesterday, which led to the vessel issuing a mayday call in the Cook Strait.
The ferry lost its power around 5pm, with around 800 passengers and 80 crew on board. It eventually got power back and made a slow journey to Wellington, where it arrived after 9pm, followed by tug boats for precaution.
The chief investigator of accidents, Naveen Kozhuppakalam, is appealing for ferry passengers and residents of Wellington’s South Coast who have videos or photographs of the events to contact TAIC at info@taic.org.nz.
“At about 5pm, the vessel was in the Cook Strait off Wellington’s South Coast when it suffered a main engine failure and loss of propulsion,” Kozhuppakalam said.
“The vessel dropped anchor and onboard engineers began repair work. Power was restored about two hours later. The vessel, escorted by two tugs, proceeded to Wellington without further incident.”
