NZ First raises possibility of Aratere grounding being human error

The Interislander ferry Aratere, grounded in the Marlborough Sounds. (Image: Tim Cuff)

Tue, 09 Jul 2024

New Zealand First has publicly raised the possibility that human error caused the grounding of the Interislander ferry Aratere.Regulatory body Maritime New Zealand placed Aratere under a detention order following the June 21 grounding, which is also being investigated by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC).The 25-year-old ferry ran aground in the Marlborough Sounds shortly after departing Picton on a freight-only sailing. Its steering system had recently been upgraded, leading to initial speculation that issues with the upgra...

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