Cook Strait inquiry under way after fatal collision

A Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) investigation is under way into a collision between a Cook Strait ferry and a 10m boat which left a man dead last night

A woman on the small bridgedecker boat was taken to hospital in Blenheim with moderate injuries.

The accident happened in Queen Charlotte Sound, about a kilometre from Picton wharf, when the Bluebridge ferry Santa Regina was on its way to Wellington on its 7pm sailing.

The ferry was detained in Picton last night to help police and MSA investigations but was expected to return to Wellington today, the authority said in a statement today.

MSA director Russell Kilvington said it was too early to say if weather conditions -- a calm sea with heavy rain -- had led to the collision.

"At this stage Santa Regina appears to have been operating normally, but it is early days and our investigation will be thorough in finding out what caused this tragedy and if there are any lessons to be learned that may prevent a recurrence," he said.

After the Santa Regina returned to Picton last night, passengers were transferred to the Interislander ferry Arahura, which arrived in Wellington about 2am.

Mr Kilvington told National Radio today large pieces of the wreckage of the smaller boat had been recovered from the water and were available for inspection by investigators.

He understood the Transport Accident Investigation Commission would also be investigating.

In a pilotage area a ship over 500 tonnes, such as Santa Regina, had right of way, he said. But this did not indicate blame in this case, he stressed.

It was the obligation of the master of any other craft to keep out of the way, Mr Kilvington said. That rule was not as well understood as it should be.

"We have had instances, particularly in Tory Channel in summer in broad daylight, of pleasure craft being almost put in the way of Cook Strait ferries," he said.

Sheryl Mateni, managing director of Strait Shipping which operates the Bluebridge ferry, told National Radio that from what she understood the pleasure craft had hit the Santa Regina.

"Unfortunately the details are still limited at the moment. It's a tragic accident. We extend our deepest sympathies to the deceased man's family."

- NZPA