Photo: Michael Rattray

The refloating of the Aratere has been delayed.

As first reported by Chris Lynch Media, the Aratere ferry ran aground 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.”

Roy said “the refloating of Aratere has been delayed until this evening’s high tide at around 9pm to allow more time to prepare the ship and make use of a higher tide.”