Ferry master likely to fight charges over near-grounding

A Bluebridge ferry master who was at the helm during a near-grounding close to Picton is expected to defend maritime charges arising from the incident in June last year.

David Birchall, 49, of Palmerston North, was in charge of the Santa Regina when it came within metres of running into rocks at the entrance to Tory Channel on June 9.

He has been charged under the Maritime Transport Act with operating the ferry in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk to property, causing unnecessary danger or risk to other people and failing to notify Maritime New Zealand of the incident as soon as practicable.

The ferry had 32 crew and 57 passengers on board at the time.

There was no damage to the vessel and Maritime NZ was not told of the incident until four days later.

Maritime NZ suspended Birchall for 14 days after the near grounding was reported.

Maritime NZ lawyer Adam Hopkinson told the Wellington District Court yesterday that Birchall had indicated he would plead not guilty to the charges.

He was remanded until May 16 for a trial date to be set.

- NZPA