The Interislander ferry Aratere was successfully refloated with the assistance of tugs Maungatea and Monowai. Authorities responded to the grounding of the interisland ferry Aratere approximately 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) north of Picton in Titoko Bay. No injuries and no environmental issues were reported according to authorities.
The government agency Maritime New Zealand reported on Saturday June 22 that the “Aratere” was undertaking a freight only voyage and had approximately 40 people on board. There have been no injuries reported and there is no danger to life. There is also no water ingress (entering the vessel) and no oil going into the marine environment.
The operation was undertaken by KiwiRail supported by a team of global experts and in collaboration with Maritime New Zealand, Port Marlborough New Zealand, and Marlborough District Council Harbour Master.
A thermal drone captured the refloating of the Interislander’s Aratere ferry by Port Marlborough‘s tugs Maungatea and Monowai in Picton Harbour on Saturday 22 June
The “Aratere” will now move to a safe anchorage in Picton Harbour overnight to re-ballast and stabilise the vessel before returning to Picton Wharf.
“We understand from KiwiRail that there are no injuries, the vessel is watertight, and there are no environmental issues,” the port reported on Friday June 21, adding that the Marlborough District Council Harbourmaster as regulator has enforced a 500m exclusion zone in the harbour and will be patrolling.
The port mobilised its marine and pilotage teams, and two of its tugs.
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor said once the ship is docked and the immediate response is over, coastal scientists will start carrying out environmental surveys to record any impact to the area.
“Oil spill booms will be placed around the Aratere once docked as a precautionary measure to ensure any environmental risk is mitigated,” she said.
KiwiRail CE Peter Reidy noted: “I am delighted with the successful operation, and we’re extremely grateful for the help and support of MNZ, PMNZ, the Harbour Master, our people, experts and customers, and authorities on the ground in Picton.”
Transport Minister Simeon Brown posted on X that “Aratere” has been pulled off the shore and is now floating.
Aratere has been pulled off the shore and is now floating.
The vessel will now be anchored in the Picton Harbour as it is safely retrieved and further checks are undertaken.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this challenging operation take place.
— Simeon Brown (@SimeonBrownMP) June 22, 2024
Another Interislander ferry, the 26-year-old Kaiarahi, would be back in service on 3 July. Only one ferry, Kaitaki, was operating in the meantime.
