Statement on Kaitaki ferry engine failure

The Mari­time Uni­on says the engine fail­ure of the inter­is­land ferry Kaitaki on Sat­urday 28 Janu­ary is con­cern­ing for crew aboard the ship.

The ship drif­ted in high winds off the south coast of Wel­ling­ton after los­ing engine power, before mov­ing into shal­low­er water where its anchors could catch.

Mari­time Uni­on Nation­al Sec­ret­ary Craig Har­ris­on says find­ing out the cause of the fail­ure is a pri­or­ity.

Mr Har­ris­on says the actions of the Cap­tain and crew of the Kaitaki were com­mend­able in man­aging the situ­ation.

“As noted by Trans­port Min­is­ter Michael Wood, the fail­ure of pre­vi­ous Gov­ern­ments to invest in upgrad­ing our inter­is­land fer­ries has led to an age­ing fleet where this kind of prob­lem occurs.”

Mari­time Uni­on Wel­ling­ton Branch Sec­ret­ary Jim King says while con­cern­ing for pas­sen­gers, crew are well trained for such events and acted in a pro­fes­sion­al man­ner.

Mr King says KiwiRail have taken a pro­act­ive response to the issue and have kept crew informed of devel­op­ments.

Two new, cus­tom-built inter island fer­ries are on order by KiwiRail but the first ves­sel will not be in ser­vice until 2025.

Sea­farers (deck crew and cater­ing staff) aboard the Kaitaki and oth­er inter­is­land fer­ries are mem­bers of the Mari­time Uni­on of New Zea­l­and.