Oil spill after Interislander ferry crashes into fishing boat

1.30pm

An Interisland ferry smashed into a fishing vessel during last night's storm, shattering the fishing vessel's hull and causing 31,000 litres of diesel to pour into Wellington Harbour.

The Aratere ferry collided with the San Domenico about 9pm, while trying to berth in strong winds.

Wellington regional harbour master Captain Mike Pryce said the collision smashed a hole in the fishing vessel's starboard side and several holes opened on its port side as it was pushed into the wharf.

"Basically she's a double-hulled ship, it (the ferry) has crushed the outer hull and she's floating on the inner hull," he said.

"She's like an eggshell with cracks all over the place."

Firefighters pumped water from the vessel overnight but were not needed today as San Domenico's own pumps were coping. Divers last night temporarily plugged the more serious gashes and holes, Mr Pryce said.

The divers returned today to the San Domenico, berthed on Aotea Quay, to video damage to the 35m-long, Napier-registered, 98 tonne vessel for insurance purposes.

"Obviously it will be up to the insurance assessors but my feeling is it will probably constitute a total loss."

The spilled 31,000 litres of diesel would dissipate over the next few days.

"This will float around for a few days and be quietly evaporating with the wind and weather conditions. It's going to stink down there for a while."

Mr Pryce said the San Domenico was berthed when it was hit.

"Clearly it was the ferry's fault... but we don't know why it happened, whether it was the master's error or whether it was a mechanical problem."

The Maritime Safety Authority and Transport Accident Investigation Commission were investigating.

Mr Pryce said last night's storm may not have been a factor in the accident.

"It wasn't that bad."

He said while within the harbour the winds were gale force, they were storm force outside of it.

"The Arahura was operating as well, she had no problems... the weather shouldn't have affected it. They've berthed in far worse weather conditions."

Mr Pryce said he was unsure what would happen to the vessel as there was nowhere in Wellington it could be repaired and it was unlikely the San Domenico could be moved in its badly damaged condition.

"It's a bit of a Catch 22 situation."

The vessel was made from a type of plastic rather than steel so holes could not be patched as easily.

"You can't just weld a patch on it."

A New Zealand crew were on board during the collision. One person received minor injuries to his shoulder when he was thrown ashore by another crew member concerned the boat was going to be crushed.

However, the accident could have been serious.

"If the ferry had hit farther aft, hit the accommodation, it could have been different.

- NZPA