Railways’ reply to Minister

Press, 19 June 1986, Page 3

Railways’ reply to Minister

The report from the General Manager of Railways, Mr Gordon Purdy, answered five questions put to him by the Minister: On Saturday, March 29, were the Cook Strait rail ferries Aratika and Arahura on a collision course at the entrance of Tory Channel? — Both masters were conforming with the instructions and were following a course that would not have led to a collision. In order to avoid the said collision, did the Aratika take evasive action? — The Aratika did not take evasive action to avoid a collision. Did the Aratika strike the bottom of Tory Channel? — Reports from the two divers who inspected the vessel at Picton did not produce any evidence that the vessel struck the

bottom. The tanks were sounded and showed no sign of making water. Also, any grounding, striking a log, etc., is usually magnified in the engine room but the engineer officers on watch were not aware of anything untoward, nor has anyone else given any indication that the vessel may have grounded. Were any marine regulations or harbour by-laws breached by either the Aratika or Arahura? — The regulations or bylaws were not breached by either vessel. Both ships have complied with the requirements. Has the Marine Department received a report on this matter? — No. Our investigations led us to conclude that the Incident was such that a report to the Marine Department was not necessaiy.