Picton, 23 June 2024– After a tense 13-hour search and rescue operation, 47 passengers stranded on a ship near New Zealand's South Island were safely brought to shore. The Interislander Arateri, a passenger ship operated by the state-owned KIWI Railway Company, became stuck in sand and mud while navigating Titoki Bay, approximately 3 km north of Picton.

The incident occurred on Friday night when the Interislander Arateri, en route across an island in Titoki Bay, ran aground in a remote area. The vessel became trapped in sand and mud, leaving the 47 passengers aboard isolated and filled with anxiety. With the sea surrounding them on one side and no locality on the other, passengers spent the night in fear, worried about the potential for the ship to sink.

Rescue operations, which could not commence immediately due to the challenging conditions, began early Saturday morning. Small boats were deployed to evacuate the passengers from the stranded ship. Authorities reported that all passengers were rescued safely and are in good health.

Following the successful rescue of the passengers, efforts shifted to freeing the Interislander Arateri. By Saturday night, the ship was successfully towed to a nearby jetty for further inspection and maintenance.

KIWI Railway Company has expressed relief and gratitude for the successful rescue operation. "We are thankful for the swift and effective response of the rescue teams. The safety of our passengers is always our top priority," a company spokesperson said.

Local authorities praised the coordination and efforts of the rescue teams. "This operation highlights the preparedness and capabilities of our emergency response units. Ensuring the safety of those at sea is a critical responsibility, and today's operation exemplifies our commitment to that," a local official stated.

The incident underscores the importance of maritime safety and the challenges involved in navigating remote and difficult waters. The effective response and rescue operation have been widely commended, bringing a dramatic and anxiety-filled episode to a safe conclusion.