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Supplied
Emergency services at the Bluebridge ferry in Wellington on Friday morning.
A Bluebridge staff member has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after an incident involving a truck on the Straitsman ferry.
Police have confirmed a person was transported to Wellington Hospital and inquiries are underway into the incident, which happened about 7.30am on Friday in Wellington.
Maritime NZ confirmed a Bluebridge staff member was injured on the main deck of the Straitsman. It’s investigation was continuing but, after earlier ordering the vessel to stay in dock, it was released from the scene shortly before 11am.
Wellington Free Ambulance spokesperson Rachel Wilson confirmed the service was called to the ferry about 7.20am on Friday. A person was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
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This incident comes amid a horror period for Cook Strait ferries that has seen both Interislander and Bluebridge severely affected and passengers and freight stuck on both islands.
Jo Mohi, from Wellington, was turning 45 on Friday and was heading to the Abel Tasman National Park on the Straitsman, which was due to leave at 2am. But she got a message at 11.22pm on Thursday saying it was delayed. She ended up getting aboard about 7am on Friday.
Tom Hunt/Stuff
Charlie Pathier and Edith Maurus found out on Friday that their sailing on Bluebridge Connemara ferry was cancelled.
The only onboard announcements by 10.30am were two saying that it was not known when the ship would leave. The Straitsman, is loaded with camper vans and trucks.
Meanwhile, passengers on Bluebridge’s other ferry, Connemara, have been warned of delays.
Charlie Pathier and Edith Maurus, from France, have been travelling New Zealand for four months and are due in Nelson on Monday to pick hops.
They found out on Friday that their sailing on the Connemara was cancelled and there was no sign when a sailing may be possible.
Tom Hunt/Stuff
Jill and Graeme Hunn, from Hamilton, were meant to be at the Bluebridge, Wellington, terminal at midday for a sailing to Picton.
“We have to wait and come back tomorrow and see if there is a solution.”
They couldn’t find any available freedom camping spots or any accommodation available, in Wellington on Friday.
“We are stuck here and we don’t know where to sleep,” he said.
Jill and Graeme Hunn, from Hamilton, were meant to be at the Bluebridge Wellington terminal at midday for a sailing to Picton.
They were going to a wedding in the South Island.
But they got a message the sailing was delayed about five hours due to “an expected late arrival of the vessel and heavy loading”.
Bluebridge and WorkSafe have been approached for comment.
- Do you know more? Email news@dompost.co.nz
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