Source: Radio New Zealand
Akaroa supplied
Environment Canterbury is warning boaties to stay clear of waters near Akaroa, following Saturday’s grounding of a tourist ferry.
The Black Cat catamaran remains beached at Nīkau Palm Valley Bay after getting into trouble in the afternoon.
Environment Canterbury says the boat was carrying 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel on board and around 120 litres of other oils in sealed containers and engines combined.
There were also reportedly 38 passengers and three crew on-board the 17-metre catamaran, on a wildlife cruise.They were evacuated to nearby boats and no injuries were reported.
Regional On Scene Commander Emma Parr said a light fuel sheen was visible around the boat.
“A dedicated wildlife team is on standby, and response options will continue to be closely monitored and assessed throughout the day to minimise any environmental impact.”
A Tier 2 incident response was declared on Saturday, and an exclusion zone remained in place.
Parr said all vessels not involved in the response must stay clear of the area for safety reasons.
“A recovery plan is being developed as we continue working alongside the vessel owner, emergency services, the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, iwi, and the local community.”
Following the accident, passenger Chris Friedman – visiting from San Francisco – had previously told RNZ it was a stressful experience on his last day in New Zealand.
Chris Friedman and his girlfriend Alona after the boat they were on sunk in Akaroa. Chris Friedman
He said there was a loud sound, as if the boat had run over something, and he thought it might be a rock. It was followed by a whizzing sound that could have been from the engine.
Transport Accident Investigation Commission said the investigation team would be travelling to Akaroa “as soon as practicable”.
It said in the next few days they would be seeking and recovering any wreckage, securing electronic records – including photos, videos, and location data on people’s cellphones – and interviewing witnesses.
Black Cat Cruises said it was launching its own investigation, and would also be working with authorities.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
