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

“Another passenger onboard said the swell was large for part of the sailing, but calmed down before the ship lost power.”

#Wellington #Kaitaki

#Kaitaki now underway and doing 7.5 kt. Looking back at its track, looks like it had drifted half way towards the #Wellington south coast before it anchored. Then got 2 of 4 engines running again. Phew

#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

Oh, great. Just what everyone needs. Hope all will be ok with #Kaitaki.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/interislander-ferry-loses-power-in-cook-strait-declares-mayday/JN3BH4RSKVGG3K6HRX7RHTAIDM/

Current status “Not under command”.

#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

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

Found a clever website that tracks vessel locations in real-time: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/shipid:189030/zoom:10 #Kaitaki #ferry