A tourist ferry ran aground near Akaroa on Saturday, prompting a Tier 2 incident response and a warning for boaties to avoid the area. The 17-metre Black Cat catamaran remains beached at Nīkau Palm Valley Bay.
Grounding and Response
Environment Canterbury has cautioned vessels to stay clear while a recovery plan is developed in coordination with the vessel owner, emergency services, the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, iwi, and the local community. Regional On Scene Commander Emma Parr reported a light fuel sheen around the boat and stated a dedicated wildlife team is on standby to minimize environmental impact.
There were reportedly 38 passengers and three crew members on board the catamaran during a wildlife cruise. All individuals were safely evacuated to nearby boats, and no injuries were reported. Passenger Chris Friedman, visiting from San Francisco, described the incident as a “stressful experience” following a loud sound and subsequent whizzing noise.
Investigation Underway
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has announced it will send a team to Akaroa “as soon as practicable” to investigate the grounding. TAIC plans to recover wreckage, secure electronic records – including data from cellphones – and conduct witness interviews. Black Cat Cruises has also initiated its own investigation and will cooperate with authorities.
The incident occurred in the waters near Akaroa, a popular destination for wildlife tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the grounding?
The cause of the grounding is currently under investigation by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission and Black Cat Cruises. A passenger reported hearing a loud sound, as if the boat had run over something, followed by a whizzing sound.
What is the extent of the potential environmental impact?
A light fuel sheen has been observed around the boat, indicating a potential for environmental contamination. A dedicated wildlife team is on standby, and response options are being monitored to minimize any impact.
What is the current status of the Black Cat catamaran?
The Black Cat catamaran remains beached at Nīkau Palm Valley Bay. A recovery plan is being developed in collaboration with multiple agencies and the vessel owner.
As investigations proceed, what role will local knowledge and perspectives play in understanding the circumstances surrounding this incident?
