Passengers buffeted for 7 hours on Cook Strait

Unlike the Arahura the Bluebridge ferry arrived at Picton on time, despite a crossing described as "definitely a bit rough". Picture / Fotopress

Maritime authorities are investigating how a ferry carrying almost 700 people lost all power in rough seas in Cook Strait.

The Arahura, travelling from Wellington, sent out a yellow-alert distress signal after its engines died about 3km outside Tory Channel.

Emergency services and rescue vessels were put on standby and the Maritime Safety Authority mobilised tug boats after receiving the call at midday yesterday.

But engineers on the ferry, carrying 676 passengers and crew, were able to restore power and the Arahura eventually berthed at Picton almost three hours late.

After enduring nearly seven hours on the Cook Strait in 6m swells and 100km/h winds, some passengers were shaken.

"My heart sank when we were told we had to head back to Wellington.

"I did not want to go through that again," said Maria Fowler, a mother with two kids from Christchurch.

While some passengers were concerned when the ship stopped, many felt the worst part of the journey was just after the ferry left Wellington.

"The waves were very high and we kept going up on swells and crashing down ... Lots of people were getting sick," said 15-year-old Rebecca Williams from Dunedin.

Jess Batchelor, spokeswoman for the Interislander service, said the failure was caused by a "propulsion problem".

At no stage was there any danger to passengers and "we were in total control", she said.

The Arahura had left Wellington at 9.30am and was approaching the Tory Channel when the engines died.

A panpan signal (one step down from a full, emergency mayday call) was sent out, alerting authorities to a problem and calling for assistance from any other vessels in the area.

Picton community constable Paul McKenzie said the initial call said the ferry had lost some power.

"The search and rescue team set out immediately.

"The decision to go through the Northern Heads was taken as a precautionary measure.

"The Wellington tugs could not get out of the harbour to help so this would suggest that it was pretty rough coming out of Wellington."

Lindsay Sturt, spokesman for the Maritime Safety Authority, said tugs were mobilised from Picton, but were not needed after power was restored to the ferry.

The Arahura, as required under maritime regulations, moved away from land and circled several times to check all the equipment.

It then sailed the longer, but safer route to Picton through the wider northern entrance, arriving shortly before 4pm.

Dave Hoskins, Picton deputy harbourmaster, said a tug was sent out about 2pm and escorted the Arahura into berth, though no tow-line was needed.

The vessel was up against 3-4m swells and 26-30 knot winds. Mr Sturt said the conditions were not excessive, and unlikely to have been a factor in the breakdown.

The problems forced Interislander to cancel the Arahura's planned 1.30pm sailing to Wellington and the 5.30pm return.

This resulted in many passengers travelling to Wellington being stranded in Picton.

Don Gould of Melbourne Australia was part of a group travelling with Grand Pacific Tour.

"The tourist company has been very good. This has let both us and the tourist company down."

Other members of his group were philosophical about the delay, many saying they were not going to worry about things out of their control.

Passengers on the other ferry, the problem-plagued Aratere, endured a 4 1/2-hour crossing - an hour longer than normal - as it was placed on standby until the Arahura was cleared to enter Tory Channel.

The Aratere, sailing from Picton to Wellington, sailed to within about 200m of the Arahura. Passengers were told the Arahura had lost power to one engine.

Weather conditions for Anzac Day are also expected to be poor.

Wendy Pannett, a spokeswoman for another ferry company, Bluebridge, said yesterday was "definitely a bit rough", but the Santa Regina crossing 1pm from Wellington to Picton had arrived on time.

What passengers said

"I am very relieved to be in Picton and can't say much about the trip as I felt crook soon after we left Wellington harbour. The staff were very helpful and looked after those of us who were feeling sick. We were provided with blankets and they brought us ice."

- Maria Fowler, mother with two from Christchurch

"The worst was coming out of Wellington harbour ... Lots of people were getting sick and more sick bags had to be put out. The toilets were full of people getting sick."

- Rebecca Williams, 15, Dunedin

"There were people getting sick all over. In the coffee kiosk a whole lot of cups went flying."

- Unidentified passenger.

"With one of the swells a bin with used sick bags was knocked over. That was horrible. The waves kept crashing against the window and people started to get sick all around us."

- Blair Fowler 11, Christchurch

"It was pretty rough but the communication was very good. We were given free food and tea."

- Emma Rowlands, backpacker, from Cornwall, Britain.

"The free food was cool. We just had to show what we were taking but did not have to pay for it."

- Alana Fowler, 10, Christchurch

"It was just so very long. We have been travelling since 9.30am this morning but they opened up the shop and we could eat whatever we wanted to, so that made it a bit better. After the engines stopped there were helicopters flying over the boat."

- Amy Williams, 17, Dunedin

"It was not that eventful. We did not have to put lifejackets on or anything. We were first told that we were going back to Wellington and then we headed on to Picton. The communication to us could have been a bit more informative."

- Arthur Soper, Hamilton