Key Takeaways
- Around 200 passengers were stranded on the Bluebridge ferry Connemara in Wellington Harbour overnight due to a ramp fault
- The ferry was forced to return to Wellington Harbour 40 minutes into its journey from Wellington to Picton
- Specialist crane operators worked to lower the ramp, allowing passengers to disembark from 10:30am
- Passengers were provided with accommodations and refreshments onboard and will be refunded and rescheduled
- An additional sailing of the Livia has been added to accommodate the affected passengers
Introduction to the Incident
The Bluebridge ferry Connemara was scheduled to depart from Wellington to Picton at 8:30pm on Thursday, but the journey was cut short due to a mechanical issue. A ramp fault was discovered shortly after the ferry left Wellington Harbour, forcing it to return to the harbour. This incident has caused inconvenience to around 200 passengers who were on board, and the company, StraitNZ Bluebridge, has apologized for the disruption.
The Incident Unfolds
According to MarineTraffic.com, the 187m vessel turned around 40 minutes into its journey, shortly after leaving Wellington Harbour. The ferry’s crew and specialist crane operators worked together to lower the ramp, allowing passengers to disembark from 10:30am on Friday. The passengers had been put up in cabins overnight and were served refreshments, according to StraitNZ Bluebridge spokesperson Will Dady. Despite the efforts to mitigate the situation, the incident has still caused significant disruption to the passengers’ travel plans.
Company Response and Apology
StraitNZ Bluebridge has expressed its disappointment and apology for the mechanical issue, which occurred during the peak travel period. The company is working to get the ferry up and running again as quickly as possible. In a statement, Will Dady said, "We apologise unreservedly to everyone affected and will work with each passenger to refund and reschedule. We are also adding an additional sailing of the Livia this evening to accommodate these passengers." The company’s efforts to refund and reschedule the passengers, as well as provide additional sailings, demonstrate their commitment to making things right.
Passenger Experience
One passenger who was onboard the ferry described the experience as "frustrating" but praised the crew’s handling of the situation. The passenger told 1News, "They did free breakfast and free other stuff like that, but that wasn’t the important part, it was how they behaved, and they were terrific." The passenger acknowledged that the issue was not within the control of the crew and appreciated their efforts to manage the situation. The positive feedback from the passenger highlights the importance of good customer service, even in difficult situations.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident involving the Bluebridge ferry Connemara highlights the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks to prevent mechanical issues. The company’s response to the incident, including their apology and efforts to refund and reschedule passengers, demonstrates their commitment to customer service. As the peak travel period continues, it is essential for the company to get the ferry up and running again as quickly as possible to minimize further disruption to passengers. The additional sailing of the Livia will help to accommodate the affected passengers, and the company’s efforts to make things right will be closely watched by the public.
