Interislander Ferry Aratere has run aground near Picton

The Interislander Ferry Aratere run aground north of Picton on Friday night.

Interislander General Manager Duncan Roy said the Interislander ferry Aratere ran aground shortly after leaving Picton at 9.45pm, following a steering failure.

“It was a freight only sailing with eight commercial vehicle drivers and 39 crew on board .

There were no injuries and the vessel is watertight.”

“The Picton Harbour Master was onboard and we are working with him to move the vessel back to Picton.”

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A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they were not involved in the emergency incident.

St John spokesperson said they sent two ambulances, a first response unit, one manager and a Major Incident Support Team.

A Maritime NZ spokesperson said the Aratere was approximately 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) north of Picton in Titoko Bay.

“There have been no injuries reported and there is no danger to life. There is also no water ingress (entering the vessel) and no oil going into the marine environment.”

“The Picton Harbour Master is on board and the vessel will be refloated as tidal conditions allow.

“Besides working with KiwiRail and others as part of the response, Maritime NZ will be investigating the cause of the grounding.”

Colin Aitchison

Coastguard Marlborough’s rescue vessel “Bluebridge Rescue was at the scene.

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A Picton resident said the boat was “well and truly up the bank.”

Photos on social media have emerged of crew members putting on life jackets.

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Transport Minister Simeon Brown said “we have been advised that there is no indication of injuries, danger to life or danger of oil pollution to the marine environment.

“The vessel is watertight. Both KiwiRail and Maritime NZ are actively dealing with the situation.”