Ferry hits object in Waitemata Harbour terrifying passengers on board morning city sailing

The ferry had just left the ferry terminal when it hit something in the water.

Terrified passengers were prepared to jump into the harbour moments after an Auckland ferry hit a submerged object in the Waitemata Harbour this morning.

The Discovery 360 passenger ferry had just pulled out of the Hobsonville Pt terminal at 8am when it collided with an unknown object so large it caused an enormous bang, according to passengers.

Auckland Transport spokesman Mark Hannan said the skipper immediately turned off an engine on the side the object struck and continued into the city at a slow speed.

Passenger Shelley Daniells said everyone on board was left stunned and shocked after the loud bang rocked their morning commute into the city. She immediately grabbed her laptop and handbag and was ready to abandon ship as it ground to a halt.

"After the big bang the boat seemed to stop and I didn't hear any engines going," she said.

"My first thought was we are stranded and we are going to be rescued just sitting in the middle of the harbour but then I felt like the ferry was tipping forwards as if it was sinking. That's when I grabbed my bags and was ready to jump off."

Daniells said the captain did an amazing job communicating with the panicked passengers and steering the crippled vessel to downtown Auckland.

The packed morning commuter ferry arrived in the city 15 minutes late. Replacement buses were being put on while the ferry was out of action.

It was now being inspected.