Passengers aboard the Interislander ferry Kaiārahi were finally able to disembark late Friday night after spending more than six hours on board due to a steering issue in the Cook Strait.
The vessel departed Wellington around 3:30pm but turned back before entering Tory Channel after routine checks identified an abnormality in the steering system, prompting a precautionary return to Wellington.
Harbourmaster Grant Nalder told media the ship maintained full control throughout the incident, and KiwiRail confirmed it berthed back in Wellington at 10.05pm.
Some passengers reported delays, confusion and limited communication while on board and after docking, with several rebooking alternative sailings. Interislander said technical teams will investigate the issue, authorities have been notified, and affected passengers and freight customers will be rescheduled.
Maybe if the ferry had a proper name like Charles Martel these problems wouldn’t happen