Location: Rangitoto Channel
District: Auckland City

Ferry Emergency

Just after 6.00p.m. the passenger ferry, 'Discovery 360', en route to Gulf Harbour from Auckland City, developed overheating in the starboard engine.

There were 57 passengers and three crew on board the 65' catamaran.

The vessel was in the Rangitoto Channel off Campbell's Bay when the engine's warning system alerted the captain to the problem.

Standard emergency procedures were followed including shutting down the starboard engine, issuing a mayday and getting passengers on to outer decks. Once the engine shut-down was completed, passengers returned inside and the ferry continued on the remaining engine without problems.

Navy vessel, HMNZS Manawanui was in the immediate vicinity and alongside within minutes. Three Coastguard launches responded immediately and the Police launch Deodar responded with fire and ambulance crew on board.

The ferry docked at Gulf Harbour without problems and the passengers were disembarked before fire service personnel entered the engine room for a precautionary inspection. Contrary to earlier speculation there was no sign of fire.

There were no injuries reported at any stage during the incident.

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