Nightmare crossing for ferry passengers

Passengers on the ferry Aratere had a nightmare eight-hour journey to Wellington yesterday after the ship broke down in wild seas.

The 11am sailing from Picton , with 137 passengers on board, was at the mercy of 6m swells and a 110km/h southwesterly in the middle of Cook Strait as engineers repaired a propulsion system problem.

Passengers were supplied with food and free movies and were never in any danger, said Toll Shipping divisional general manager Paul Garaty. He said the ship's master had control of the vessel at all times.

German tourist Simone Staudt was too sick to enjoy the free food.

"It was horrible. We were sitting in the front. I was very sick. I had no idea what was going on."

Mr Garaty said passengers would receive a refund, and there would be a full investigation to find the cause of the fault. "I can't speculate on how long the Aratere will be out of action."

- NZPA