Having waited 4 weeks already to cross Cook Strait, #Interislander ferries sent us a text apologising for a delayed departure from #Wellington. Better late than never, but wondering if it would be prudent to reduce the chance of #travel today from High to Moderate in view of ongoing disruption?

🚐 #VanLife #Motorhome #CamperVan #RV #Travel #RoadTrip #Nomad

🇳🇿 #Aotearoa #NZ #NewZealand

🤔 #Curiosity 🌲 #Rewilding 🧭 #Exploring ❤️ #Wellbeing

The ongoing #Interislander reliability issues that came so close to tragedy last weekend point to management deferring as much maintenance as possible before the introduction of their new fleet from 2025(ish). Over the next 2 years, will they continue to put the lives of the traveling public at risk? My bet is "probably" because all too often, pay is tied to financial performance and not safety. #ferry #safety #kaitaki

#MaydayFinis
#InterIslander ferry #Kaitaki almost berthed in Wellington, but not on a roll-on roll-off terminal.
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:174.788/centery:-41.265/zoom:17

#MAYDAY
OK, that was a bit premature.
#InterIslander ferry #Kaitaki has restored power to two of four engines and two bow thrusters.
Both anchors have been lifted.
Now under way for Wellington at under 6 knots.
Aratere moving back and forwards past the scene assumedly to make life more comfortable for passengers.
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:174.712/centery:-41.378/zoom:14

#MAYDAY
#InterIslander ferry #Kaitaki under way with assistance from the Wellington Pilot and tugs Tiaki and Tapuhi
Aratere making way to Picton past the scene
Lady Elizabeth 4 standing off as scene co-ordinator

#MAYDAY
Police launch Lady Elizabeth 4 on scene with #InterIslander ferry #Kaitaki and appointed scene co-ordinator by the Rescue Co-ordination Centre
Aratere making way towards Wellington
Tugs not far away
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:174.720/centery:-41.374/zoom:14

Just about to get on a Bluebridge ferry at Picton. Wish me luck. And a strong stomach for what looks like a rough crossing #CookStraight #InterIslander

Approximate location of the #InterIslander ferry #Kaitaki, without power, at anchor, and having issued a #Mayday. Awaiting assistance and likely struggling in heavy seas and a strong #Southerly blowing through the #CookStrait.

#MAYDAY
#InterIslander ferry #Kaitaki at anchor off Red Rocks
Pilot boat in attendance
Aratere ferry standing off
Testing after possible restoration of power
Will attempt to move off when tugs arrive if testing successful
Ropes and cray pots about 200m away
Tugs and Police Boat Lady Elizabeth 4 just outside harbour entrance
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/shipid:189030/zoom:13

#MAYDAY
#InterIslander ferry #Kaitaki
lost all power
not under command
anchors deployed and holding
about 1.2km off Red Rocks
tugs on the way
any vessels in the area willing and able to assist please contact Maritime Radio

After 3 hours surrounded by coughing and blown noses but very few masks on the humid & airless #interislander, it will be a miracle if our own masks protect us from #colds or #covid. No wonder so many of the businesses we've been to over the past 3 weeks have been short-staffed. #notrocketscience