Drifting towards the rocky shore brought frightening memories of another ferry disaster, Kaitaki passenger Mark Munro says.
Mr Munro, who was aboard the Cook Strait passenger ferry that issued a mayday when its engines failed in stormy conditions on Saturday afternoon, has spoken to his brother, Otago Daily Times journalist Bruce Munro, about the frightening experience and his relief upon docking safely in Wellington in the evening.
"There had been a test alarm and practice drill for the crew. But not long afterwards there came one more alarm and the captain said this time it was not a drill and we were in fact adrift after motor failure," Mr Munro said.
Mr Munro and his wife Ingrid, of Skallandso, had been touring the South Island with family members Berit and Kjell Larsson, of Varnamo, both in Sweden.
Most passengers remained calm but seemed a bit shocked.
"It seemed unreal as the life jackets were handed out to everyone," Mr Munro said.
"Our group was instantly reminded of a catastrophic ferry accident 29 years ago, the sinking of the MS Estonia, off the coast of Sweden, that took over 800 lives."
The Kaitaki had about 800 passengers plus 80 crew.
The most frightening moments of the afternoon's ordeal came as the stricken Kaitaki drifted towards the shore southwest of Sinclear Head, off Wellington’s South Coast.
"We were within several hundred metres of the shore. And drifting towards the rocks. That was a bit frightening."
"It was a huge relief to hear from the captain that the anchors were successfully holding us in place and tug boats were on their way. "
Travelling at half speed, the Kaitaki, escorted by two tug boats, then made the two-hour journey to the Kaiwharawhara ferry terminal in Wellington, arriving shortly after 9pm.
"Of course, the biggest relief and thankfulness for answered prayers came when we docked safely in Wellington three and a half hours after the expected time."
Earlier, Wellington regional harbourmaster Grant Nalder said the Kaitaki's engines tested and the result was positive. He said the anchors were being pulled up, but warned the process to get back to shore would be slow.
KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy confirmed the 2.15pm sailing from Picton temporarily lost propulsion power near the end of its journey to the capital. Everyone onboard was safe, however, as was standard practice, life jackets had been issued as a precaution.
"Tug boats have left Wellington and will be used to assist if required as Kaitaki makes her way back to the Kaiwharawhara terminal."
Authorities were notified and a special team formed to co-ordinate the response, Reidy said.
"We are focused on ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of passengers, are keeping them updated, and will offer additional support when they arrive into Wellington."
KiwiRail will investigate the cause of the temporary loss of power.
The AIS ship tracker showed several vessels rushing to the Kaitaki’s aid on Saturday.
- additional reporting NZ Herald and ODT Online
