Ferry allegations ‘lack foundation’

Press, 18 June 1986, Page 8

Ferry allegations ‘lack foundation’

PA Wellington Allegations by the National member of Parliament for Tauranga, Mr Winston Peters, that the Cook Strait ferry Aratika hit the bottom of Tory Channel in March “lack any foundation,” said the general manager of the Railways Corporation, Mr Gordon Purdy, last evening. Speaking from his home Mr Purdy told the “Dominion” newspaper: “At the time the Aratika was entering Tory Channel (on March 29) there was an extremely strong wind blowing and the master took corrective action. “He did sail very close to Whekenui Bluff. When he passed it he thought there was a possibility that he could have touched the sea’s bottom, so as part of usual precautions he arranged for two divers to inspect the hull when he arrived at Picton. “They (the divers) found no evidence the

ship had actually touched the bottom,” he said. In answer to allegations by Mr Peters that the supposed grounding occurred when the Aratika took evasive action to prevent the risk of collision with the Arahura, which was coming out of Picton, Mr Purdy said the two ships had passed close together. “In maritime terms, they were about three cables apart, but certainly there was no danger to anybody. They did pass closer than normal, but both masters acted in a responsible manner,” Mr Purdy said. “I think Mr Peters is making a mountain out of a molehill for reasons best known to himself. “I think some mischievous persons for reasons best known to themselves are feeding Mr Peters with information that does not contain the truth and he has been sucked in by it,” Mr Purdy said. Earlier report, page 3