A ferry skipper is in a critical condition following a collision between two boats in the Bay of Islands. Robyn was travelling with her husband and two young grandsons from Russell to Paihia just before midday.
She described the sheer horror as passengers watched a jet boat coming towards them at what appeared to be full-speed before it slammed into the port side of her ferry.
Meanwhile Rosie Morrow was a passenger on the ferry travelling in the opposite direction from Paihia to Russell for lunch.
Her vessel was first on the scene after the the accident and helped rescue Robyn's family and the other passengers.
Both Maritime NZ and police are investigating the incident. The damaged boat has now sunk. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed an eight-metre private vessel driving erratically to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
