East By West ferries to resume operation on Saturday
East by West ferries, Greater Wellington regional council and Metlink have thanked all those involved in today’s search.
In a statement issued on Friday evening, East By West ferries general manager Mat Jonsson said the ferry crew issued a mayday call as soon as they became aware a passenger was missing.
A second harbour ferry was called in to assist with the search and other vessels also responded to the mayday call, he said.
“Conditions on the harbour this morning were very still. The main cabin of the vessel involved is fully enclosed, and the top deck has barriers around the passenger area to stop someone accidentally falling overboard.”
East By West ferries has not been operating today but will resume normal services on Saturday.
Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter said the regional council’s thoughts were with the missing passenger, their loved ones and staff who were on the East By West ferry this morning.
“We also wish to extend our appreciation to maritime police and all the crews who responded to this emergency and are helping with the search,” he said in a statement.
It was likely that a rahui that would restrict the gathering of kai moana and recreational activities would be placed on part of Wellington Harbour and people should comply with it, he said.
Metlink group manager Samantha Gain described the ferry company’s response to the emergency as “exemplary”.
“Under extremely difficult circumstances, East by West followed emergency procedures and committed all available resources to the search. Affected crew are receiving support and Metlink stands ready to give our ferry operator any assistance it requires,” Gain said in a statement.
Deputy harbour master Patrick Atwood said the search and rescue operation was well coordinated and “the number of crews that joined the search was impressive”.
RNZ