Ferry master fined over 'potentially disastrous' incident

The Santa Regina came within 100m of rocks. File photo / Mark Mitchell

A former ferry master has been found guilty of failing to report the near-grounding of a Cook Strait ferry.

The incident involved the Santa Regina ferry, which came within about 100 metres of rocks in Tory Channel in June 2005.

David Birchall has been convicted and fined $750, and ordered to pay $130 costs in the Wellington District Court.

Maritime New Zealand said it welcomed the judge's decision.

It said the incident could have had disastrous consequences.

The vessel came close to the rocks off East Head when the master had difficulty maintaining course in a strong spring tide flow.

The incident occurred on a Thursday, but was not reported to the Maritime Safety Authority until the following Tuesday.

- NEWSTALK ZB