Emergency services are responding after a Waiheke Island ferry caught fire in the Hauraki Gulf near Motutapu Island this afternoon.
Witness Bruce Cameron reported hearing a Mayday call around 3.50pm and seeing smoke from about 1.5 miles away.
The blaze was later extinguished, but the vessel’s steering was damaged, forcing it to anchor while awaiting assistance. A nearby Fullers Ferry attempted to help but was unable to safely transfer passengers due to rough seas and vessel height differences.
Coastguard New Zealand, Fire and Emergency, and police are currently managing the situation.
Waiheke Island now has electric ferry service, with Island Direct launching the Te Waiora, a 22-metre catamaran designed for sustainable transport across the Hauraki Gulf.
Island Direct, a challenger to Fullers360, has expanded its fleet with Te Waiora, joining sister ship Te Waipiki.
Te Waipiki which is non electric.
Te Waiora is a purpose-built, low-emission catamaran.
While not fully electric – being diesel electric – like a locomotive.
The name Te Waiora, gifted by Ngāti Paoa, means “living healthy waters”—a nod to ecological intent.
“Ply the friendly waters”?
Just days after launch, Te Waiora experienced a fire incident shortly after departing Matiatia.
Passengers reported smoke and alarm activation; the crew anchored and shut down the engine before Coastguard evacuation.
No flames were seen, and the engine room was sealed to contain the issue.
Auckland Transport is replacing aging diesel ferries with four new electric and hybrid vessels.
It may be an idea when traveling on Te Wairoa to take saki and a bandana.