The Bluebridge ferry Connemara lost power to one of its engines just after 5pm on this evening but the ship is now fully operational again
Wellington’s Deputy Harbour Master told RNZ that the ferry is anchored in Wellington Harbour near the northern tip of Miramar Peninsula.
The anchor is currently being lifted and a tug boat remains on standby.
There are 435 people onboard the ferry.
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Deputy Harbour Master Patrick Atwood says the ferry will now be able to berth shortly.
Earlier this week the ferry hit the wharf in Picton, and on 19 September it experienced engine failure between the North and South Islands.
Details In A Flash
The Bluebridge ferry Connemara has experienced a number of issues in recent months, including a power outage and a collision with a wharf:
- Power outage On September 19, 2024, the Connemara lost power during a late-night sailing and drifted in the Cook Strait for two hours. Tug ships arrived to assist and secured the ferry by 1 AM. Maritime New Zealand placed the ship under a detention notice and required a number of things to be done before it could return to service.
- Collision with a wharf In 2023, the Connemara hit a wharf while leaving Wellington, causing a dent in the hull and a small hole above the waterline. The ship was repaired and returned to service later that day.
- Backing into a wharf In October 2024, the Connemara backed into a wharf in Picton while berthing. The fender chain appeared to have broken when the ferry tried to dock.
