The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry after a ferry crashed into the Devonport Wharf this morning.
There are conflicting reports as to the number of people who suffered injuries in the crash at around 10:40am this morning; police say 20 people received minor to moderate injuries, while St John Ambulance say the number is only 15.
The ferry captain, who has two years' experience, is shaken up and has been offered counselling, operator Fullers says.
Chief executive Doug Hudson said the incident had been described to him as a “heavy landing”.
Sixty-one people – including passengers and crew – were on board the boat when it hit the wharf this morning. A number of people who were standing, waiting to disembark, were knocked off their feet.
Around 10 passengers were taken to hospital, with others receiving medical treatment on board the boat.
Mr Hudson said the company is focussing on the wellbeing of passengers.
“Keeping people safe while they travel and work on our vessels is our number one priority, and we are concerned and sorry that people have been hurt today,” he said.
“Our thoughts and attention are with passengers and crew who have been injured or affected on our service between Auckland and Devonport."
The vessel is damaged, but still afloat, and has been quarantined pending examination by investigators due to arrive from Wellington this afternoon. Crew members will also be interviewed.
Police say early indications suggest the crash is the result of a mechanical failure.
TAIC’s inquiry will aim to determine what happened and what might be done to help prevent a similar event in future.
Passenger services between Devonport and Auckland continue as scheduled.
Devonport ferry KEA just crashed into the terminal pic.twitter.com/SMF0IPUlKc
— Joseph Sullivan (@SullivanNz) February 16, 2015
3 News
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