Ferry grounding investigated

A ferry appears to have hit the sea floor in the Tory Channel in the Marlborough Sounds early this morning. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Three different investigations have been launched into an incident where an Interislander ferry appeared to hit the seabed in Tory Channel today.

The company confirmed today that the Monte Stello was travelling on an early morning sailing from Wellington to Picton when it veered from its course shortly after entering Tory Channel and touched a submerged object.

Interislander general manager Thomas Davis said the company informed regulatory authorities, including Maritime New Zealand, when the incident occurred and would assist those agencies with their investigations as well as carrying out an internal inquiry.

"Till those have been completed, it is not possible to say what caused the incident."

There were no passengers on board, with the ferry used for freight only.

Mr Davis said the ship's master felt a "brief impact" before continuing on its course.

"He assessed the ship's performance and handling and instrument readings, before continuing to Picton, where the vessel unloaded," said Mr Davis.

"The ship was assessed in Picton, before returning to Wellington. It sailed empty (with no cargo) using the northern entrance of Queen Charlotte Sound, in an appropriate precautionary approach."

Mr Davis said the ship would be assessed by the classification society Lloyds when it arrived in Wellington, and decisions on its return to service would be made then.

Three seperate investigations have been launched by Interislander, Maritime New Zealand, and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission.

Monte Stello, owned by Strait Shipping, has been chartered by Interislander to carry freight only for five months from the end of March to fill the gap while rail ferry Aratere is away for a re-fit.

- Herald Online staff