SHOCKING conditions in NZ waters have forced both Cook Strait ferry operators to cancel and/or postpone sailings, right in the middle of peak holiday season.
Interisland Line and Buebridge sailings were disrupted over the weekend and customers have been warned high winds and sea swells are likely to continue throughout this week.
Sunday night sailings by Interisland’s Kaitaki and Kaiarahi were delayed while the ships’ masters awaited a moderation of conditions, with the latter – with over 500 passengers on board not leaving Wellington until 1230 hrs today, while the former’s Picton departure was held until 1430, according to KiwiRail. Aratere sailings were completely cancelled today.
This was expected to have a compounding effect as KiwiRail sought to re-book passengers and cars on already crowded sailings.
NZ media was full of first-hand reports of seasickness on sailings that did proceed, with crew handing out cups of water, ice and sick bags. Passengers who’d driven long distances to their embarkation ports were unsure whether the weather delays were a curse or blessing.
The MetService attributed the conditions – including 75kmh winds and swells over 4 metres – to a low-pressure system to the east of the country.
