Vehicles have been damaged and a person injured during rough weather during an Interislander sailing today.
Footage from the sailing sent to 1News showed the Kaitaki rocking from side to side as waves battered the windows. Staff could be heard telling passengers to remain seated.
Images from the deck showed a number of queued vehicles pushed askew, with workers in orange high-vis apparently conducting assessments.
In a statement, a KiwiRail spokesperson told 1News the 8.45am Kaitaki sailing out of Wellington experienced a “significant roll while transiting abeam Karori light area” at approximately 10.30am.
“Some passenger cars/vehicles shifted as result of the rolling and sustained minor damages,” the spokesperson said.
Video taken aboard the Kaitaki ferry showed water splashing against the windows, and staff heard telling people to remain seated. (Source: Supplied)
A passenger sustained a minor injury, which crew were able to provide medical assistance to on board, KiwiRail said.
“Customers impacted are being supported by Interislander. A full assessment is being undertaken as she arrives in Picton.”
Earlier in the day, KiwiRail cancelled the 6.15am Picton to Wellington crossing of Aratere and its 11am return “due to the rough seas”.
“A southerly storm has caused large swells in Cook Strait from the early hours of Friday morning, December 27.”
“We apologise for the disruption, but the safety and comfort of our passengers is our top priority,” the spokesperson said.
Impacted passengers were contacted directly and were being transferred to alternative sailings.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has been contacted for comment.