Dozens of passengers were evacuated after a tourist vessel capsized in Akaroa Harbour on Saturday, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
According to a report by 1News, the incident involved a Black Cat Cruises boat that departed Akaroa Wharf at 10.45 am with 41 people on board. The vessel ran into trouble during its return journey and grounded just outside the Akaroa Heads.
Black Cat Cruises chief executive Paul Milligan confirmed in a statement that the evacuation took place at around 12.20pm. All 38 passengers and three crew members were safely taken off the vessel and transported back to the Main Wharf. No injuries were reported.
"While some passengers were shaken by the experience, they all commended the crew for their calm, efficient and reassuring manner when evacuating the vessel," 1News has quoted.
Milligan said the vessel was currently beached and recovery efforts were underway.
"This is [the] first incident to occur in over 40 years of this nature and naturally safety is our No 1 priority, and we are deeply saddened that this has occurred," as quoted by 1News.
He also acknowledged the assistance provided by nearby operators and boaties during the evacuation.
"We are commencing an investigation into the incident and working with authorities on the matter," 1News has quoted.
American tourist Chris Friedman, who was onboard with his partner, told 1News the trip had been going smoothly before the incident occurred.
"We were enjoying a beautiful morning, seeing lots of dolphins," Friedman said.
"About halfway back, we felt a thud. At first, we wondered if it was a dolphin or a seal strike," 1News has quoted.
He said passengers were instructed within minutes to move inside the vessel and put on life jackets.
“At that point, we noticed water coming into the boat, then we started to see smoke in the galley area, 1News has reported.
Private boats in the vicinity were first to assist, with passengers evacuated in groups while some remained onboard during the initial stages.
Friedman said that although the experience was unsettling, he and his partner were unharmed.
“We just feel bad for the people who panicked, especially a couple of children who were scared. But we’re okay. In the end, it’s a good story, and thankfully, everyone seems to be safe,” as quoted by 1News.
The couple were nearing the end of a 12-day holiday in New Zealand and was scheduled to return to San Francisco on Sunday.
"Quite the epic adventure for our final full day here in New Zealand," 1News has reported.
Environment Canterbury confirmed an exclusion zone had been established around the site.
An Environment Canterbury spokesperson said vessels "must stay clear to ensure the safety of those involved in the response".
"We do not yet know the fuel quantity on board," they said, 1News has quoted.
"We are currently assessing and monitoring the situation to safely minimise the impact of fuel and debris on the environment. We have declared a Tier 2 incident response," the spokesperson said.
"We are working alongside the owner, emergency services, the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, Iwi and the local community," as reported by 1News.
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