Fire Breaks Out On Newly Launched Auckland Ferry From Waiheke Island

A ferry carrying around 18 passengers from Waiheke Island encountered a fire incident this afternoon shortly after departing from Matiatia on an Island Direct vessel.

One passenger described the crew’s response as “p*** poor” after alarms began sounding and smoke filled the air moments into the journey. “Before we’d even got out of the harbour, the alarms are screaming and I can smell smoke. They put the anchor down and shut the engine off, and then we sat around for ages until Coastguard came and evacuated us,” she told the Herald.

The woman, an experienced sailor, said she did not see any flames and believed the crew had sealed the engine room to contain the blaze. She said the ferry, identified as Te Wairoa, a 22-metre catamaran and Island Direct’s second ferry, had only begun operating a few days ago, reported The New Zealand Herald.

“I had to help four passengers into life jackets. There’s clearly some training necessary. I’m going to be talking to Maritime New Zealand,” she added, criticising the staff’s handling of the incident, The New Zealand Herald quoted.

Coastguard confirmed receiving a mayday call at 3.40 pm. Within minutes, three Coastguard Auckland rescue vessels were dispatched to evacuate passengers, while Coastguard Howick transported firefighters to the scene along with the police launch Deodar.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) was alerted at 3.45 pm to reports of a fire aboard the ferry at Matiatia Bay Wharf, Ōneroa. Fire crews from Ōneroa and Parnell responded and were ferried to the vessel by Coastguard and police.

No injuries have been reported, and the fire was brought under control. However, initial reports suggest the ferry’s steering system may have been damaged.

Bruce Cameron, who was on a nearby boat near Motutapu Island, told RNZ he heard the mayday call over VHF radio and could see smoke about 2km away. He said a Fullers Ferry attempted to assist but was unable to safely transfer passengers due to rough seas and the height difference between the vessels.

Island Direct has been approached for comment.

Authorities, including Maritime New Zealand, are expected to investigate the cause of the incident.