The Auckland-CBD to Hobsonville Point run now has two ferries, but with one (pictured) disabled and blocking the berth at Hobsonville Point after it lost motor control and slammed into the wharf, all sailings for the rest of the day had to be cancelled. Photo / Supplied
[UPDATE: The broken-down ferry that smashed into Hobsonville Point wharf was removed in time for Friday morning's first sailing at 6.20am.]
A Fullers ferry has smashed into Hobsonville Point wharf. A witness says the crash sent bins flying and one girl fell flat on her face.
An Auckland Transport spokesman said it was alerted to the crash at 5.40pm and an investigation by Fullers was underway. It would then be referred to Maritime NZ.
"No one has been injured," he said.
He said it was not yet known what caused the crash but the ferry did come in "very fast".
A witness described the crash as "quite full on", saying "we all just jumped off the bow [onto the wharf] and one girl fell flat on her face".
"We slammed into the pier head but can't get off."
The captain told us that the engine fault meant he lost directional control, the witness said.
"He was trying to pull up alongside the wharf in the usual fashion but then the ferry drifted to a 90 degree angle and slammed into the wharf with its bow."
She said the disabled ferry was now blocking the Hobsonville Pt pier.
Another passenger said the journey was going well until the ferry came alongside the wharf.
"The pilot was clearly having trouble bringing the ferry under control as they prepared to tie up. For the next 10 minutes or so the ferry seemed to be out of control as it repeatedly drifted out into the harbour, turned around and came back in again."
He said when the ferry crashed into the wharf it was going quite fast and hit hard bow on, sending items within the ferry flying.
"Several people in the cabin fell over - including a member of the crew."
Crew remained helpful and calm, doing their utmost to get the boat alongside, the witness said.
The Auckland-CBD to Hobsonville Point run now has two ferries, but with the one involved in the incident disabled and blocking the berth at Hobsonville Point, all sailings for the rest of the day had to be cancelled.
Auckland Transport tweeted that a number of tonight's Hobsonville and Beach Haven Ferry services were cancelled because of a breakdown.
This included:
• Auckland to Hobsonville and Beach Haven: 17.40
• Hobsonville to Beach Haven: 18.10
• Beach Haven to Hobsonville and Auckland: 18.15
• Hobsonville to Auckland: 18.20
The ferry that crashed was due to arrive at Hobsonville Pt at 5.30pm.
Two men winched out Fiordland River after Christmas Day capsize, the rescue was one of 20 on Christmas Day.