Reidy confirmed the 2.15pm sailing from Picton temporarily lost propulsion power near the end of its journey to Wellington.
Positive to hear that power has been restored to the Kaitaki. KiwiRail have been keeping in touch with Ministers about the issue and their work to safely bring the vessel back to port. https://t.co/MoTNHucVq3
“Tug boats have left Wellington and will be used to assist if required as Kaitaki makes her way back to the Kaiwharawhara terminal.”
Authorities had been notified and a special team has been stood up to co-ordinate the response, Reidy said.
“We are focused on ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of passengers, are keeping them updated, and will offer additional support when they arrive into Wellington.”
KiwiRail will investigate the cause of the temporary loss of power.
A passenger on board said the ferry had limited power with two engines back up and running.
They said two tug boats and a pilot boat have arrived.
“We are all in life jackets at assembly points. I can hear engines going.”
The ferry had been making its way towards Wellington when it lost all power.
“They weren’t able to restore it, they were drifting, they’ve got an anchor down, and they declared a mayday,” Nalder had told the Herald.
The AIS ship tracker showed several vessels rushing to the Kaitaki’s aid.
Nalder said the ferry had been southwest of Sinclear Head off Wellington’s South Coast.
Earlier, a passenger said they were terrified but were trying to stay calm.
Another passenger said the ferry was stranded about an hour out of Wellington.
”The motor’s cut out at about 5 o’clock and the captain has been updating us. We have donned the life jackets for safety reasons, just as a precaution.
