The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) of New Zealand has released a report detailing the blackout and loss of propulsion experienced by the Interislander ferry Kaitaki on January 28, 2023. The incident was triggered by a degraded rubber expansion joint in the engine cooling system, which failed due to exceeding its service life, resulting in an automatic engine shutdown. TAIC identified six safety issues, including the management of safety-critical components and emergency response coordination.
During the incident, the Kaitaki lost propulsion and electrical power while sailing from Picton to Wellington, drifting dangerously close to rocks. The crew issued a Mayday, prompting a mass rescue operation. Although the blackout lasted about an hour, the crew managed to restore propulsion with assistance from tugs. However, the failure of the rubber expansion joint highlighted significant gaps in risk management and emergency preparedness for older vessels.
TAIC emphasized the need for improved decision support tools for emergencies and called for Maritime New Zealand to enhance its incident response strategies. The report also pointed out the lack of emergency towage and salvage capabilities, which poses risks for disabled vessels, especially under severe conditions. The Commission urged authorities to strengthen rescue capabilities to prevent potential marine casualties.
