NZ First raises possibility of Aratere grounding being human error

NZ First raises possibility of Aratere grounding being human error
The Interislander ferry Aratere, grounded in the Marlborough Sounds. (Image: Tim Cuff)
Oliver Lewis
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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