Trio arrested for endangering ferry

Three men have been charged after disaster was narrowly averted yesterday when a boat deliberately pulled out in front of the Cook Strait ferry.

Crew on the Awatere immediately threw the ship into reverse, turning full astern to avoid ramming the smaller boat in Queen Charlotte Sound, near Picton.

But the three men in the runabout then circled the ferry and shouted abuse before motoring away.

No one was hurt, and the ferry continued travelling on to Wellington after reporting the incident to Blenheim police.

Police officers and the Harbourmaster found the boat in Endeavour Inlet at 9am and allege the three men were drunk.

Sergeant Mike Porter said the trio were arrested for putting the ferry crew in a perilous situation.

All three men were charged with endangering others and being a criminal nuisance.

They have been bailed to appear in Blenheim District Court on April 19.

Sue Foley, a spokeswoman for Toll Holdings who own the Awatere, said no passengers were hurt.

"But these sort of actions are incredibly disturbing.

"Fortunately our guys are incredibly alert and the only guys at any risk were the ones in the boat."

She said though most boaties acted responsibly on the water, Toll supported registering all vessels.

-HERALD ON SUNDAY