MSA will not hold immediate inquiry into troubled ferry

A near-miss incident between the trouble-plagued Interislander ferry Aratere and a tanker in Wellington Harbour did not warrant an immediate inquiry, the Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) said today.

The MSA is investigating the April 10 incident between the ferry and a CentrePort tanker, believed to be carrying flammable material.

MSA spokeswoman Heidi Brook said in a statement today the authority could not discuss or speculate on the incident until the investigation was completed.

However, the incident had not warranted any immediate action by the MSA.

It was reported yesterday that the Aratere's owners Toll Shipping had removed the ship's master after the latest incident and brought in a replacement.

The master and first mate are understood to have been the same pair involved in a near grounding at the entrance to Tory Channel last September.

The Aratere has now been the subject of 45 investigations by the MSA since arriving new in Wellington six years ago.

Ms Brook said the close quarter incident was reported "promptly after it occurred" by both the master of the Aratere and the pilot on board the tanker, the Bow De Jin.

CentrePort chief pilot Charles Smith said the Bow De Jin was heading out from Seaview wharf about 4.20am when the incident occurred. The Aratere was off Eastbourne, heading into Wellington Harbour.

Shipping agents Beaufort Shipping would not confirm what chemicals were on board the Bow De Jin.

- NZPA