Key Takeaways
- The Bluebridge Connemara ferry experienced a mechanical issue with its stern door, resulting in the cancellation of sailings and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
- Up to 36 passengers were forced to disembark from the Livia ferry due to overbooking, and were rescheduled and compensated for their costs.
- The Connemara is expected to resume sailing at 8.30pm on Monday, with repairs to the door going as planned.
- The incident is the second major disruption to the Connemara in recent months, following a loss of power due to contaminated fuel in September 2024.
Introduction to the Incident
A recent incident involving the Bluebridge Connemara ferry has left hundreds of passengers stranded, with some forced to spend the night on the ferry due to a broken ramp. The issue, which occurred on the ship’s stern door, resulted in the cancellation of sailings and a significant disruption to the ferry’s schedule. The incident has caused inconvenience to many passengers, including those who had to cancel their trips to the South Island. The ferry company, Bluebridge, has apologized for the disruption and is working to get back on schedule as quickly as possible.
The Cause of the Disruption
The mechanical issue with the Connemara’s stern door was caused by a problem with the winch, which seized and prevented the door from opening. This resulted in 200 passengers being stuck on the ferry for nearly 15 hours, with some forced to spend the night on board. The incident has raised concerns about the reliability of the ferry and the impact of such disruptions on passengers. The company has stated that repairs to the door are going as planned, and the ship is expected to resume sailing at 8.30pm on Monday.
Efforts to Mitigate the Disruption
In an effort to accommodate passengers affected by the cancelled Connemara sailings, the Bluebridge ferry company accidentally boarded stand-by passengers onto the Livia’s afternoon sailing from Wellington. However, this resulted in the ship being overbooked, and up to 36 passengers were forced to disembark. The company has apologized for the mistake and has worked with the affected passengers to reschedule and compensate them for their costs. The company’s spokesperson, Will Dady, stated that they are grateful to the passengers who agreed to return to shore and are doing everything they can to get back on schedule as quickly as possible.
Impact on Passengers
The disruption has had a significant impact on passengers, with some forced to cancel their trips to the South Island. One passenger told RNZ that they had to cancel their trip as a result of the disruption, while others were more relaxed and appreciated the efforts of the ferry company to provide them with food, drink, and a place to sleep. The incident has highlighted the importance of reliable transportation services, particularly for those who rely on the ferry to travel to and from the South Island.
History of Incidents
The Connemara has experienced a number of incidents in recent months, including a loss of power due to contaminated fuel in September 2024. The incident resulted in the ship drifting for more than two hours and requiring a rescue from tug boats. The recent mechanical issue with the stern door has raised concerns about the reliability of the ferry and the need for regular maintenance to prevent such incidents. The company has stated that they are doing everything they can to prevent such incidents in the future and to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Bluebridge ferry company is working to get back on schedule as quickly as possible, with the Connemara expected to resume sailing at 8.30pm on Monday. The company has apologized for the disruption and is taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident has highlighted the importance of reliable transportation services and the need for regular maintenance to prevent mechanical issues. Passengers can expect the company to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future and to provide a safe and comfortable journey.
