Key Takeaways
- A tourist boat, the Black Cat, experienced a mechanical issue and began taking on water off the coast of Akaroa.
- Nearby fishing boat, skippered by Wright, assisted in the rescue and took 15 passengers on board.
- Passengers reported a loud "thud" and the smell of fuel before being instructed to put on life jackets.
- The vessel was fully evacuated using smaller lifeboats, with all passengers making it back to shore safely.
- The cause of the incident is suspected to be the boat striking an underwater object, such as a reef or rock.
Introduction to the Incident
The Black Cat, a tourist boat, experienced a mechanical issue while on its return journey, approximately 45 minutes from shore. According to passenger Chris Friedman, the boat suddenly jolted and a loud "thud" was heard, causing concern among the passengers. Although people were not panicking, they were certainly scared and unsure of what was happening. The crew did not provide an explanation for the incident, which added to the confusion and distress.
Rescue Efforts
Fortunately, a nearby fishing boat, skippered by Wright, was in the area and able to assist in the rescue. Wright reported that his boat took 15 passengers on board after checking if assistance was needed. He stated that conditions were calm, but the situation was distressing for those on board, especially the families and young children. The crew of Wright’s boat helped calm the passengers before taking them back to shore. Wright said that the passengers were very thankful and happy to be safe, and no one was hurt during the incident.
Description of the Incident
Passenger Chris Friedman described the incident, stating that the boat was on its return journey around midday when something went wrong. He reported that the boat jolted and a loud "thud" was heard, but the crew did not explain what had happened. Shortly after, passengers noticed the smell of fuel and were instructed to put on life jackets. The vessel then started taking on water, and passengers were evacuated using smaller lifeboats in groups. Friedman stated that the boat was fully evacuated, and all passengers made it back to shore safely at around 1 pm.
Suspected Cause of the Incident
The suspected cause of the incident is that the boat struck an underwater object, such as a reef or rock. Wright reported that a passenger told him the vessel may have struck something underwater while trying to get a closer look at some seals. The boat was badly compromised by the time Wright’s boat arrived, with water already onboard and the vessel partially sunk. The exact cause of the incident is still unknown and is being investigated by the relevant authorities.
Aftermath and Investigation
The incident is being investigated by Maritime NZ and NZ Police, who have been approached for comment. Black Cat Cruises has also been contacted for a statement. The investigation will aim to determine the cause of the incident and whether any safety protocols were breached. In the meantime, the passengers who were on board the Black Cat are grateful to have made it back to shore safely, thanks to the quick response of the nearby fishing boat and its crew.
Conclusion
The incident involving the Black Cat tourist boat off the coast of Akaroa highlights the importance of safety protocols and emergency preparedness in the maritime industry. The quick response of the nearby fishing boat and its crew helped prevent a potentially disastrous situation, and all passengers were able to make it back to shore safely. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is essential to identify the cause and take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
