Boaties are being warned to stay clear of the mouth of the Akaroa Harbour as crews work to contain a fuel spill following the grounding of a Black Cat Cruises tour boat. The incident, which occurred just inside the Akaroa Heads, prompted the rescue of 41 passengers.
Grounding and Rescue Operation
The 17-metre vessel ran aground at approximately 10:45 am while returning to Akaroa Wharf after departing with 41 people onboard. A swift evacuation was initiated, with assistance from local boat owners, including seventh-generation resident George Waghorne, who helped transfer 29 passengers to his vessel with the help of his four-year-old daughter.
A light fuel sheen has been observed on the water surrounding the vessel, prompting a Tier 2 incident response. Regional on-scene commander Emma Parr stated that a dedicated wildlife team is on standby to mitigate potential environmental impacts.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has launched an inquiry into the grounding. Chief investigator Louise Cook is appealing for witnesses who may have captured photos or videos of the incident to come forward, emphasizing the importance of securing evidence while memories are fresh.
TAIC investigators will be collecting wreckage, securing electronic records, and conducting interviews in the coming days. A recovery plan is currently being developed in collaboration with the vessel owner, emergency services, the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, local iwi, and the wider community.
American tourist Chris Friedman, who was onboard during the incident, described an initial impact that felt like striking marine life, followed by instructions to prepare for evacuation as water and smoke were detected onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the grounding?
The source states that local skipper George Waghorne described the grounding as a “freak accident,” but the definitive cause is currently under investigation by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC).
What is the extent of the fuel spill?
A light fuel sheen has been observed on the water, and the vessel was carrying 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel and 120 litres of other oils. Crews are working to contain the spill and minimize environmental impact.
What is the current status of the vessel?
The vessel remains grounded, and a recovery plan is being developed in collaboration with multiple agencies and stakeholders.
What further steps might be taken to prevent similar incidents in the Akaroa Harbour?
