Wahine disaster how many people died

By now a tug had set off from Queens Wharf to try and reach the Wahine. At about am, a line from the tug was used to try and tow the ferry, but the line gave way. Other attempts failed, but the deputy harbourmaster managed to climb aboard the Wahine from the pilot launch which had also reached the scene.

At about pm the combined effect of the tide and the storm swung the Wahine round so that there was a patch of clear water sheltered from the wind and the sea on the starboard side. This was on the side towards which the ferry was leaning more and more. Captain Robertson had not considered abandoning the ship earlier because he felt it was safer for the passengers to remain on board, given the storm conditions. But now the order was given to abandon ship.

Passengers, not told before how serious the situation was, were now confused and frightened. People slid across the sloping deck, trying to make their way to the lifeboats. Only the four starboard lifeboats could be launched, and crewmen tried to get as many people as possible onto them. One lifeboat was swamped when it hit the water and people were lost into the sea.

Some managed to hold onto the boat as it drifted across the harbour to the eastern shore. Other boats were also swamped but many of the passengers were able to reach the small rescue boats which by now were surrounding the Wahine. Others reached the inflatable life rafts which had been thrown overboard, but several of these were punctured in the wreckage. The waves of the sea were still battering the ferry, and people in the water struggled to keep hold of wreckage or the sides of the lifeboats.

The captain and deputy harbour master were the last to leave after checking that no one remained on the ferry. They were in the water just by the wreck for an hour before being rescued.

At about pm the Wahine rolled completely onto her side. By then the first of the survivors were reaching the shore at Seatoun. Rescuers there helped the passengers ashore, not realising the extent of the disaster. Skip to content Home Users' questions How many people died in the Wahine storm?

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