Key Takeaways
- A tourist ferry, the Black Cat catamaran, has run aground in Akaroa, near Christchurch, with 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel on board.
- There were 38 passengers and three crew on board, all of whom were evacuated safely with no injuries reported.
- An exclusion zone has been put in place, and Environment Canterbury is warning boaties to stay clear of the area.
- A Tier 2 incident response has been declared, and a dedicated wildlife team is on standby to minimize environmental impact.
- An investigation into the accident has been launched by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission and Black Cat Cruises.
Introduction to the Incident
The township of Akaroa, near Christchurch, has been the site of a significant maritime incident, with a tourist ferry, the Black Cat catamaran, running aground on Saturday. The catamaran, which was carrying 38 passengers and three crew, got into trouble in the afternoon and was beached at Nīkau Palm Valley Bay. Fortunately, all on board were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported. However, the incident has raised concerns about the potential environmental impact, with the boat carrying a significant amount of marine diesel fuel and other oils.
Environmental Concerns
Environment Canterbury has warned boaties to stay clear of the waters near Akaroa, citing the risk of environmental damage. The Black Cat catamaran was carrying 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel on board, as well as around 120 litres of other oils in sealed containers and engines combined. A light fuel sheen was visible around the boat, and a dedicated wildlife team is on standby to minimize any environmental impact. Regional On Scene Commander Emma Parr said that response options would continue to be closely monitored and assessed throughout the day to prevent any further damage.
Response and Investigation
A Tier 2 incident response was declared on Saturday, and an exclusion zone remains in place. All vessels not involved in the response have been warned to stay clear of the area for safety reasons. A recovery plan is being developed, with Environment Canterbury working alongside the vessel owner, emergency services, the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, iwi, and the local community. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has also launched an investigation into the accident, with a team travelling to Akaroa to seek and recover any wreckage, secure electronic records, and interview witnesses. Black Cat Cruises has also announced that it will be launching its own investigation and working with authorities.
Passenger Experience
For the passengers on board the Black Cat catamaran, the experience was a stressful one. Chris Friedman, a visitor from San Francisco, described the moment the boat got into trouble, saying that there was a loud sound, as if the boat had run over something, followed by a whizzing sound that could have been from the engine. Friedman, who was on his last day in New Zealand, said that it was a stressful experience, but was relieved that everyone on board was safe. The incident has highlighted the importance of maritime safety and the need for prompt and effective response in the event of an emergency.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident in Akaroa is a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of those on the water. Environment Canterbury and other authorities are working to minimize the impact of the incident and prevent any further damage. The investigation into the accident will help to determine the cause and identify any steps that can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, boaties are warned to stay clear of the area, and the community is coming together to support those affected by the incident. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the incident in Akaroa will have significant implications for maritime safety and environmental protection in the region.
