23 Jun 2024

'Very minimal damage' to stricken ferry - Interislander head

10:04 am on 23 June 2024
KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy speaking to media about the stricken Aratere ferry.

KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy speaking to media about the stricken Aratere ferry. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Interislander says the ferry Aratere will be brought back into port today while an investigation into the stranding continues.

The Interislander vessel lost its steering and ran aground near the port on Friday, before being refloated last night.

Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy says divers have checked the hull and found it is still water tight, and there appears to be minimal damage to the vessel.

TheTransport Accident Investigation Commission and Maritime New Zealand will start investigating onboard the Aratere once it returns to Picton Wharf, he said.