Interislander Passengers Face Delays Due to Stormy Weather
Interislander ferry passengers traveling between Picton and Wellington have been hit with disruptions due to stormy weather conditions causing strong winds and high swells. The turbulent weather led to the cancellation of two sailings on Sunday, with two more facing significant delays on Sunday night.
Delayed Departures and Apologies
One of the affected sailings was the Kaitaki, scheduled to depart from Wellington at 8.30pm with over 800 passengers on board. However, due to rough sea conditions, departure was delayed for at least 4 hours. In an email to passengers around 10pm, Interislander expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused by the delay.
Late Departures and Unforeseen Conditions
The Kaitaki eventually set sail around 1am on Monday, while the Kaiarāhi, carrying 500 passengers, departed from Picton just before midnight on Sunday. Despite the delays, both sailings were able to proceed, albeit later than planned. Interislander’s fleet operations manager, Taru Sawhney, attributed the unseasonably high swells to a combination of wind and sea swells, deviating from the initial forecasts.
Ongoing Disruptions and Weather Outlook
Further disruptions were anticipated on Monday, with two Aratere sailings canceled. However, scheduled Kaitaki and Kaiarāhi sailings continued as planned. MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker warned of continued rough conditions in Cook Strait, with challenging seas expected throughout the week.
Empathy in the Face of Delays
Passengers affected by the disruptions were provided with options to change sailings, though availability was limited due to previous weather-related disruptions. Interislander also offered refunds for those opting to cancel their trips. Despite the challenges, passengers were supportive, with many choosing to continue with their journeys despite the rough conditions.
Looking Ahead
As weather conditions remained unpredictable, Bluebridge also canceled several sailings, with more likely to follow. The unsettled weather was expected to persist until Monday evening, causing further inconvenience for travelers. Amidst the disruptions, passengers were encouraged to stay informed about alternate sailing options.
As travelers navigate the uncertainties brought by stormy weather, the resilient spirit of passengers and the dedication of ferry operators to ensure safety and comfort shine through. Despite the challenges posed by nature, the commitment to providing reliable transportation services remains unwavering in the face of adversity.